IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.2060 of 2026 Santosh Sahoo &. Petitioner Mr. S.K. Baral, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha &. Opposite Party Mr. M.K. Mohanty, ASC CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 21.04.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties. 2. Instant petition has been filed under Section 482 BNSS by the petitioner seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with Khuntuni P.S. Case No.30 of 2026 corresponding to C.T. Case No. 90 of 2026 pending in the court of learned S.D.J.M., Athagarh on the grounds stated. 3. Perused the FIR as at Annexure-1. The name of the petitioner is mentioned in the report. It is submitted that the alleged recovery has not made in the immediate presence of the petitioner. But learned counsel for the State would submit that the petitioner is having antecedents. In fact, from the FIR, the Court finds recovery of 20 liters of I.D. Liquor with 50 liters of Gur Pocha and other articles. Considering the report and alleged involvement of the petitioner with two others and him having antecedents, the Court is not inclined to consider his plea for pre-arrest bail, however, allows the liberty to surrender before the learned court below seeking regular bail. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. 5. In the result, the ABLAPL is disposed of with the direction as aforesaid. It is further directed that in the event, the petitioner surrenders within a fortnight from today and moves an application for bail in connection with C.T. Case No. 90 of 2026 arising out of Khuntuni P.S. Case No.30 of 2026 pending in the Court of learned S.D.J.M., Athagarh, it is directed that the same shall be entertained during the first hour followed by an order and in the event of rejection, he has the liberty to approach the Sessions Court for orders during the second hour and for the said purpose, the lower court case record and other relevant papers shall be made available at the time of hearing. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge Balaram Designation: PERSONAL ASSISTANT