2026:CGHC:11113 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR ORDER RESERVED ON 03.02.2026 ORDER DELIVERED ON 03.03.2026 ORDER UPLOADED ON 03 .03.2026 MCRC No. 9514 of 2025

1 - Anwar Dhebar S/o Late Hazi Zikar Dhebar Aged About 51 Years R/o Dhebar House, Pension Bada, Raipur, Chhattisgarh ... Applicant(s)

versus

1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Investigating Officer, Economic Offence Wing/ Anti-Corruption Bureau Chhattisgarh, Head Quarter At Telibandha, In Front Of Jai Jawan Petrol Pump, Raipur, Chhattisgarh -

492001 ... Respondent(s)

(HON’BLE SHRI JUSTICE ARVIND KUMAR VERMA)

C A V Order

This is the second application filed by the applicant seeking grant of regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in connection with Crime No. 04/2024 dated 17.01.2024, registered by the Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau, Chhattisgarh, for offences punishable under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, along with Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

2. The applicant came to be arrested on 05.04.2024, and after completion of investigation, charge-sheet has already been filed on 29.06.2024 before the competent Court. The present application arises out of, and calls in question, the order passed by the learned Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act), Raipur, whereby the applicant’s prayer for grant of regular bail came to be rejected.

FACTS OF THE CASE

3. As per the prosecution, information was received from the Enforcement Directorate invoking Section 66(2) of the PMLA that during the period 2019–2023, a large-scale organized syndicate allegedly operated in the State of Chhattisgarh in connection with manufacture and distribution of liquor through government licensed outlets. It is alleged that illegal commissions were collected from distillers and suppliers; Excise officials and certain public functionaries acted in collusion; A network was created for manipulation of procurement and distribution and Public revenue suffered loss while illegal gains accrued to the conspirators.

4. Based on the said information, EOW/ACB registered Crime No. 04/2024 and commenced investigation. During investigation, the applicant was alleged to be one of the key conspirators connected with financial and administrative arrangements of the syndicate. On this basis, he was arrested on 05.04.2024. Investigation thereafter resulted in filing of charge-sheet; however, further investigation is stated to be continuing.

5. The applicant has earlier approached this Court seeking regular bail in MCRC No. 3455/2024, which was dismissed on 20.12.2024. Subsequently, the applicant approached the Supreme Court in SLP (Criminal) No. 433 of 2025, which was dismissed on 14.07.2025 granting liberty to the applicant to renew his bail application if no substantial progress in trial takes place within four months.

SUBMISSION ON BEHALF OF THE APPELLANT

6. Learned Counsel appearing for the applicant, while assailing the impugned order and pressing for grant of regular bail, has advanced elaborate submissions, which, in substance, are as follows:

I. Custodial Period and Procedural Background

7. It is submitted that the applicant has remained in judicial custody since 05.04.2024, and thus has undergone prolonged incarceration even before commencement of trial. Investigation qua the applicant already stands completed and charge-sheet was filed on 29.06.2024, followed by multiple supplementary charge-sheets. Despite lapse of considerable time, the trial has not commenced and even framing of charges is pending. It is urged that continued detention of the applicant serves no investigative purpose and amounts to punitive incarceration prior to adjudication of guilt, which is impermissible in criminal jurisprudence. He has placed reliance upon the decision of the Supreme Court in Kapil Wadhawan v. CBI, 2025 INSC 1440, wherein it has been reiterated that prolonged incarceration coupled with delay in