Aalekh Chouhan vs State Of Chhattisgarh

Rajani Dubey, J

Heard.

Admit.

The accused/applicant has moved this first bail application under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for releasing him on regular bail

during trial in connection with Crime No. 25/2021 registered at Police Station - Dongripali, Raigarh (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections

34 (2) & 59 (A) of the C.G. Excise Act.

It is the case of the prosecution that, total 20 bulk liters of illicit liquor has been seized by the police from the custody of applicant and thereby

committed the offence. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant has been falsely implicated in the crime in question. He further

submits that the applicant is in custody since 07.04.2021 and there is no previous criminal antecedent against the applicant, as the trial is likely to take

some time for its final disposal, he may be released on bail. On the other hand, counsel for the State opposes the bail application.

Taking into consideration the condition incorporated in Section 59-A(ii) of the C.G. Excise Act, 1915, and bearing in mind the principles of law laid

down in Banti Singh v. State of Chhattisgarh (M.Cr.C. No.6846 of 2014), decided on 05.01.2015), if the facts of present case are examined, it is

apparent that only 20 bulk liters of illicit liquor has been seized from him which is more than prescribed limit of 5 bulk liters, but looking to the fact that

the applicant is in custody since 07.04.2021, trial is likely to take some more time and further taking into account the nature and gravity of offence and

plea raised by the applicant that he has falsely been implicated in case, I am of the opinion that present is the fit case, in which, the applicant should be

enlarged on regular bail.

Accordingly, the application is allowed. It is directed that on furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 50,000/-, with one surety in the like sum to

the satisfaction of the concerned Court for his appearance as and when directed, the applicant shall be released on bail, subject to following conditions:

That, the applicant shall furnish a specific, undertaking that while on bail, he shall not commit any excise offence, otherwise bail granted to him shall be

liable to be cancelled and shall co-operate the prosecution during trial.

That, the accused/applicant shall make himself available for interrogation before the concerned Investigating Officer as and when required and the

accused/applicant shall not, directly or indirectly, make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to

dissuade him/her from disclosing such facts to the Court or to any police officer.

That, the accused/applicant shall not act, in any manner, which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial.