News Citation : 2026 LN (HC) 58 | 2026:CGHC:3072
Bilaspur, January 19, 2026 : The High Court of Chhattisgarh has granted regular bail to a 23-year-old man arrested in connection with an illicit liquor seizure case from Dhamtari district, observing that the investigation is complete and the trial is likely to take time.
The bail was granted to Rahul Kurre by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha in a first bail application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Kurre was arrested on November 20, 2025, in Crime No. 90/2025 registered at the Excise Circle police station, Nagri, for alleged offences under Sections 34(2) and 59(a) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act.
According to the prosecution, excise officials received secret information during patrolling and conducted a raid at the applicant’s residence, where 15 bulk litres of illicitly manufactured Mahua liquor were allegedly recovered. Kurre was taken into custody on the spot following the seizure.
Counsel for the applicant argued that Kurre had been falsely implicated and pointed out that the charge sheet in the case had already been filed. It was also submitted that the maximum punishment under the relevant excise provision is three years and that the applicant had been in judicial custody for over two months. The defence further contended that the conclusion of the trial would take considerable time.
The State opposed the bail plea, citing four criminal antecedents against the applicant, including one previous case under the Excise Act. The prosecution maintained that the quantity of liquor seized and the applicant’s past record did not justify the grant of bail.
After hearing both sides and examining the case record, the High Court noted that the investigation was complete, the applicant had been in custody since November 2025, and the trial was unlikely to conclude in the near future. Taking these factors into account, the court allowed the bail application.
The court directed that the applicant be released on furnishing a personal bond along with two sureties of the same amount to the satisfaction of the trial court. Strict conditions were imposed, including mandatory presence on key dates, non-seeking of unnecessary adjournments, and compliance with all trial proceedings. The court also warned that misuse of bail liberty could result in cancellation and initiation of coercive proceedings.
Case Reference : MCRC No. 677 of 2026, Rahul Kurre vs State of Chhattisgarh; Counsels: for the applicant, Mr. Kanhiya Ram Yadav, Advocate; for the respondent/State, Mr. Sourabh Sahu, Panel Lawyer.
