News Citation : 2026 LN (HC) 202 | 2026:CGHC:11971

March 12, 2026 : The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted conditional bail to a 19-year-old Class 12 student, Anup Bishra, who was arrested in connection with the alleged seizure of 40 bulk litres of country-made mahua liquor.

The order was passed by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha on March 12, 2026, in MCRC No. 2308 of 2026 (Anup Bishra v. State of Chhattisgarh).

According to the prosecution, police officials from Saraypali Police Station in Mahasamund district conducted a raid based on prior information and seized the liquor from the alleged possession of the applicant. Subsequently, an offence was registered under Section 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act.

Counsel for the applicant argued that the student had been falsely implicated and had no connection with the seized liquor. It was submitted that the recovery was made from an open space behind a house where multiple family members reside and several persons were present at the time, thereby weakening the claim of “conscious possession.” The defence also questioned the seizure process, noting that the quantity of liquor was not properly measured.

The applicant further emphasized his status as a Class 12 student, with board examinations scheduled between March 16 and April 8, 2026, and highlighted that he had no prior criminal antecedents. He had been in judicial custody since February 22, 2026.

Opposing the bail plea, the State argued that the charge-sheet had not yet been filed and stressed the significant quantity of liquor allegedly seized, contending that the applicant was not entitled to bail.

After considering the submissions and perusing the case diary, the Court observed that although the investigation was still ongoing and the charge-sheet had not been filed, several factors weighed in favour of the applicant. These included his young age, lack of criminal history, ongoing education, and the likelihood that the trial would take time to conclude.

Accordingly, the Court held that the applicant was entitled to be released on regular bail, subject to conditions. These include: not seeking adjournments when witnesses are present, appearing before the trial court on scheduled dates, refraining from misuse of bail, and mandatorily appearing during key stages such as framing of charges and recording of statements.

The bail application was thus allowed with standard safeguards to ensure the applicant’s participation in the trial process.

Case Reference : MCRC No. 2308 of 2026, Anup Bishra S/o Shri Amitap Bishra @ Amitabh Bishra v. State of Chhattisgarh; Counsel for Applicant: Mr. Sumit Shrivastava, Advocate; Counsel for State: Ms. Palak Dwivedi, Panel Lawyer.