IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.14846 of 2025 Chiku @ Jyoti Ranjan …. Petitioner Pradhan Mr. B. P. Nanda, Advocate -Versus-

State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Mr. S. B. Panda, ASC And ABLAPL No.14923 of 2025 Kalia @ Subrat Kumar Nath …. Petitioner Mr. B. P. Nanda, Advocate -Versus-

State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Mr. S.B. Panda, ASC CORAM:

MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK

ORDER

18.02.2026 Order No.

01. 1. Both the ABLAPLs are disposed of by following common order.

2. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties.

3. Instant petitions under Section 482 BNSS are filed for pre-arrest bail of the petitioners in connection with Banarpal P.S. Case No.658 of 2025 corresponding to G.R. Case No.1314 of 2025 pending in the file of learned J.M.F.C., Banarpal on the grounds stated therein.

4. Perused the F.I.R. as at annexure-1. The Court finds that large quantity of coal was being lifted illegally and transported in vehicles and therein, the involvement of the petitioners is alleged. It is claimed that some of the accused persons are on bail. Learned counsel for the State objects the plea of the petitioners for anticipatory bail on the ground that the allegation in the F.I.R. i.e. Annexure-1 is with regard to stealing of coal of huge quantity from a Mines area.

5. Considering the nature of allegations revealed from Annexure-1, this Court is not inclined to consider grant of pre- arrest bail to the petitioners, but is of the view that both should surrender before the learned court below seeking regular bail pleading parity.

6. Accordingly, it is ordered.

7. In the result, both the ABLAPLs are disposed of. It is further directed that in the event, the petitioners surrender within fortnight from today before the learned J.M.F.C., Banarpal in connection with Banarpal P.S. Case No.658 of 2025 corresponding to G.R. Case No.1314 of 2025 and move applications for regular bail, it shall be duly considered in the first hour and in case of rejection, they shall approach the Sessions Court during the second hour for orders on the same day. It is further directed the learned courts below shall consider the plea of parity as has been demanded by the petitioners, while dealing with their applications for bail.

8. Issue urgent certified copy as per rules.

(R.K. Pattanaik)

Judge Sumitra Digitally Signed Signed by: SUMITRA NAYAK Reason: Authentication Location: High Court of Orissa, Cuttack Date: 23-Feb-2026 11:53:00