C.A.V. Order

1. The applicant has preferred the present first application for grant of bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, consequent upon his arrest in connection with Crime No. 44 of 2024 dated 05.10.2024, registered by the Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau, Chhattisgarh, for offences punishable under Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Sections 7(b) and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. At the time of institution of the present application, the charge-sheet had not been filed; however, during the pendency of these proceedings, a charge-sheet came to be submitted on 29.06.2024 before the competent Court. Upon such filing, additional offences under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, along with Section 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, have also been incorporated. The applicant was taken into custody on 23.02.2026.

2. The present application emanates from and assails the order passed by the learned Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act), Raipur, whereby the prayer of the applicant seeking regular bail has been declined.

Case of Prosecution :

3. The prosecution case,