Anticipatory bail was granted on parity after co-accused in the same case were enlarged on bail.

The applicant sought anticipatory bail under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, apprehending arrest in Crime No. 277/2026, registered at Police Station Purani Bhilai for offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Chhattisgarh Rajya Suraksha Adhiniyam, 1990.

The prosecution alleged that vehicles were carrying iron scrap from the Bhilai Steel Plant without authority.

The applicant submitted that he was an employee of co-accused Himanshu Khandelwal and operated a JCB on his instructions; the State did not dispute that employment and role.

The parties also informed the Court that several co-accused had been granted anticipatory or regular bail.

Whether the applicant should be granted anticipatory bail in connection with the alleged offences

Whether the applicant’s asserted role as a JCB operator, absence of criminal antecedents, and the bail granted to co-accused supported granting anticipatory bail

Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, provides the statutory basis for an application seeking anticipatory bail.

The Court considered the facts and circumstances, the nature of the allegations, the parties’ submissions, and the fact that other co-accused had been granted bail when deciding whether to grant relief.

No precedent or further legal test was cited in the order.

The Court considered the applicant’s claimed subordinate role as an employee and JCB operator, which the State did not dispute, alongside the submission that he had no criminal antecedents.

It also took account of the bail granted to several co-accused. On those circumstances, and without expressing any opinion on the merits, the Court found it appropriate to allow the application.

It directed that, in the event of arrest in connection with the crime in question, the applicant be released on a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety in the like amount, subject to conditions including availability for interrogation, non-interference with witnesses or the trial, and appearance before the trial court on each date fixed.

Note: Paragraph 1 identifies Crime No. 277/2026, while paragraph 7 refers to crime “(130/2026)”.