2026:JHHC:1754 --1-- A.B.A. No. 349 of 2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND, RANCHI A.B.A. No. 349 of 2026 ---- Bhanu Mahto @ Bhanu Kumar Mehta, aged about 38 years, son of Amrit Mahto, resident of village – Sajni, PO – Jori, PS – Bashisth Nagar, District - Chatra .... Petitioner -- Versus -- The State of Jharkhand .... Opposite Party ---- CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR DWIVEDI --- For the Petitioner :- Mr. Abhay Kr. Chaturvedy, Advocate For the State :- Mrs. Priya Shrestha, Advocate ---- 02/22.01.2026 Heard learned counsel appearing for the petitioner as well as the learned counsel appearing for the State through V.C. 2. The petitioner is apprehending his arrest in connection with Complaint Case No.93 of 2024 for the alleged offences registered under Sections 33(1)(c) of Indian Forest Act, pending in the Court of learned Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chatra. 3. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that false allegation is made of cultivation of poppy plant on the forest land. He further submits that case has been registered under Section 33 of Indian Forest Act and not under NDPS sections. He then submits that the petitioner is having one criminal antecedent. He next submits that in identical situation one co-accused person has already been granted anticipatory bail in ABA No.4366 of 2025. 4. Learned counsel appearing for the State through V.C. opposes the prayer and submits that allegations are there against 2026:JHHC:1754 --2-- A.B.A. No. 349 of 2026 the petitioner of cultivation of poppy plant on the forest land. 5. Considering that the land is of the forest department and not of the petitioner and the allegations are made of cultivation of poppy plant on the forest land and the case has been registered under Section 33 of Indian Forest Act and in that view of the matter the petitioner is directed to surrender before the learned Court within two weeks and the learned Court shall release the petitioner on such terms and conditions or the sureties as the learned Court may deem fit and proper. (Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, J.) Dated 22.01.2026 Sangam/