Ms. Aditi Singhvi, Counsel for the Applicant.

Mr. Vinod Kumar Tekam, Govt. Advocate for the State/Respondent.

Heard on admission.

Admit.

Call for the record.

Also heard I.A. No.1/2026, application for suspension of sentence and grant of bail.

By way of the impugned judgment dated 20.05.2026 passed in Criminal Appeal No.8/2024 by the Second Additional Sessions Judge, Dhamtari, District – Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, the applicant has been convicted under Section 354 of Indian Penal Code and sentenced for S.I. for 1 year with fine of Rs.500/- and in default thereof, further S.I. for 15 days.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the learned Appellate Court has not properly appreciated the evidence available on record and convicted the applicant. She further submits that applicant is in jail from 18.07.2018 to 30.07.2018 and from 20.05.2026 till date i.e. total 28 days. She further submits that the disposal of this revision may take some time, therefore, the sentence imposed on the present applicant may be suspended and he may be released on bail.

On the other hand, learned counsel for the State opposes the submission made by counsel for the applicant.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature of allegations levelled against the applicant, and further considering the detention period and the fact that the final disposal of this revision is likely to take considerable time, without commenting on the merits of the case, I am inclined to allow the application.

Accordingly, I.A.No. 01/2026 is allowed.

It is directed that the substantive jail sentence imposed upon the applicant shall remain suspended till the final disposal of this revision, subject to his executing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.20,000/- with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the concerned trial Court, for his appearance before the Registry of this Court on 09th July, 2026. He shall thereafter appear before the concerned trial Court on a date to be given by the Registry of this Court and thereafter, continue to appear before the concerned trial Court on all such subsequent dates as are given to him by the said Court till disposal of this revision.

List the case for final hearing in due course.

Accordingly, I.A. No.2/2026, application for urgent hearing and I.A. No.3/2026, application for hearing during summer vacation stand disposed of.