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2026:CGHC:15051 S PA O T U E R L ABH DsSP D21+ i 06 AO i a g 0 g 2: T t n 5 U 0 i e6 E t 3 e 5 R : a . d 0 L 0: l A 2 4 by B 9. y 0 H 1 NAFR

HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 2439 of 2026

1 - Vinod Kumar Sahu S/o Aatmaram Sahu, Aged About 22 Years, R/o Village- Palari, Police Station- Sanaud, District- Balod,

Chhattisgarh. ... Applicant

versus

1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through- Station House Officer Police Of Police Station- City Kotwali, District- Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh

... Respondent For Applicant : Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Sahu, Advocate.

For State/Respondent : Ms. Laxmeen Kashyap, P.L.

Hon'ble Shri Justice Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal

Order on Board

01/04/2026

1.

This is the first bail application filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of regular bail to the applicant who has been arrested in connection with Crime No. 325/2025 registered at Police Station – City Kotwali Dhamtari, District-Dhamtari (C.G.), for the offence punishable under Sections 137(2), 87, 64(2)(e) of BNS, 2023 and Section 6

of POCSO Act.

2.

The prosecution's case, in short, is that on 11.12.2025, the mother of the victim lodged a written report stating that on

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10.12.2025, the applicant had lured her minor daughter and taken her away. During the investigation, the victim was recovered from the house of the applicant's sister. Based on this, an offence has been registered against the applicant,

leading to his arrest.

3.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the case with no connection to the alleged offence. He further submits that the victim voluntarily accompanied the applicant and was a consenting party, therefore, no offence is made out against the appellant. He next submits that the victim has been examined and she not stated anything against the applicant and turned hostile. The applicant has no criminal antecedents and has been in jail since 12.12.2025 and the trial is likely to take considerable time to conclude, therefore, the present applicant

may be released on bail.

4.

On the other hand, learned counsel for the State opposed the bail application, submitting that at the time of the incident, the victim was a minor aged about 17-18 years. Out of a total of 18 witnesses, only victim has been examined till date, therefore, at

this stage, the applicant should not be released on bail.

5.

Pursuant to the order of this Court dated 16.03.2026, the victim along with her father appeared virtually from the concerned DLSA and recorded her ‘no objection’ in granting bail to the

applicant.

6.

I have heard learned counsel appearing for the parties and

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perused the case diary.

7.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature and gravity of the offence, and on perusal of the court statement of the victim, and also taking into account that the applicant is in jail since 12.12.2025, out of 18 witnesses, only victim has been examined till date, and the trial is likely to take considerable time to conclude, therefore, I find it appropriate to

release the applicant on bail.

8.

Accordingly, the application is allowed and the applicant is directed to be released on bail on his furnishing a personal bond in sum of Rs.25,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the trial Court for his appearance before the said

Court as and when directed in that behalf.

9.

Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the trial Court concerned for necessary information and compliance

forthwith. Sd/-

(Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal)

Judge

Sourabh P.