1 2026:CGHC:18762 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 555 of 2026 1 - Renlal Ratre S/o- Late Bihari Ratre, Aged About 65 Years R/o- Village Nawagaon, P.S. - Mandir Hasaud, Raipur, District-Raipur (C.G.) 2 - Murli Dhruv, S/o- Shri Ganesh Ram Dhruv, Aged About 36 Years R/o- Village Godhi, P.S. Mandir Hasaud, Raipur, District-Raipur (C.G.) 3 - Gopal Das Jangade, S/o Late Barandas Jangade, Aged About 59 Years R/o Village Godhi, P.S. Mandir Hasaud, Raipur, District-Raipur (C.G.) ... Petitioner(s) versus 1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through Station House Officer, Mandir Hasaud, Raipur, District-Raipur (C.G.) ... Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s) : Mr. Prateek Sharma, Advocate For State For Objector : : Mr. Saumya Rai, Dy. G.A. Ms. Aftabun Nisha, Advocate Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice Order on Board 23.04.2026 1. This first anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.151/2026 registered at Police Station – Mandir Hasaud, ABHIGYA SAXENA Digitally signed by ABHIGYA SAXENA Date: 2026.04.24 19:05:57 +0530 2 Raipur District Raipur, C.G. for the offence punishable under Sections 318(4), 338, 336(3), 340(2) and 3(5) of Bhartiya Nayaya Sanhita, 2023. 2. The prosecution case, in brief, is that the co-accused, namely Gopal Dhiwar, during his tenure as Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Godhi, in connivance with the present applicants and the then Secretary, allegedly issued abadi pattas in respect of Government grassland without any lawful authority or jurisdiction. It is further alleged that the Secretary attempted to tamper with and destroy official records of the Gram Panchayat. On the basis of a complaint lodged by the present Sarpanch, Panchas, and other villagers, a criminal case bearing Crime No. 151/2026 has been registered at Police Station Mandir Hasaud, District Raipur, for offences punishable under Sections 318(4), 338, 336(3), 340(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In connection with the said crime, the applicants apprehend their arrest. 3. Learned counsel for the applicants submits that the applicants are innocent and have been falsely implicated, as no ingredients of the alleged offences are made out and the FIR has been lodged without any substantive documentary evidence, there being no original abadi patta issued by the applicants. It is contended that their implication is solely based on disputed photocopies, which they deny, and no specific role or allegation is attributed to them, while the allegation of destruction of records is confined to the Secretary. It is further submitted that no personal benefit has 3 accrued to the applicants and the prosecution is motivated by political influence and vested interests. The applicants undertake to cooperate with the investigation, abide by all conditions, and, being permanent residents, there is no likelihood of absconding or tampering with evidence; hence, they deserve to be enlarged on bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel, appearing for the non - applicant/State, opposes the prayer for grant of anticipatory bail to the applicant. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the materials available on record. 6. Considering the facts & circumstances of the case, submission of learned counsel for the parties, materials available on record, also considering the fact that allegations levelled against the present applicants are primarily based on assertions which would be subject to appreciation during trial. Furthermore, the investigation is at a preliminary stage, and no specific circumstances have been brought on record, without commenting on the merits of the case, this Court is of the considered opinion that the applicants have made out a case for grant of anticipatory bail. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicants – Renlal Ratre, Murli Dhruv and Gopal Das Jangade on executing personal bond and one surety each respectively in the like sum to the satisfaction of 4 the arresting Officer, they shall be released on bail on the following conditions:- (a) The applicants shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing such fact to the Court. (b) The applicants shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) The applicants shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. (d) The applicants and the surety shall submit a copy of their adhaar card along with a coloured postcard full size photo having printed the adhaar number on it, which shall be verified by the trial Court. (e) The applicants shall not involve themselves in any offence of similar nature in future. S Sd/- d/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice Saxena