The court is examining an application for suspension of sentence and grant of bail under Section 430 of BNSS for an appellant convicted under Sections 376 and 506 of the IPC, considering arguments on FIR delay and evidentiary gaps.

Digitally signed by AKHILESH AKHILESH BEOHARBEOHAR Date:2026.09. 1717:28:09 +0530 CGHC010091562026

Heard on admission.

The appeal is admitted for hearing.

Also heard on I.A. No.01 of 2026, application under Section 430 of BNSS for suspension of sentence and grant of bail to the appellant.

By the impugned judgment dated 26.02.2026 passed by the Additional Sessions Judge (FTC), District Mahasamund, C.G. in Sessions Trial No. H-19/2024, the appellant stands convicted and sentenced as under:

Both the sentences were directed to run concurrently

Learned counsel for the appellant submits that the FIR was lodged after a delay of 15 days from the date of incident. The victim herself has stated that she voluntarily accompanied the appellant. She had neither raised any alarm nor sought help from anyone. He further submits that although the incident was alleged to have taken place at Joshi Lodge, but the register of the said lodge does not conclusively establish that the victim had stayed there along with the appellant. Conviction of the appellant is not