Facts
The applicant, Ramjee, aged 70, was arrested in connection with Crime No. 20657/12 for offenses under Sections 9 read with Section 2(16) A.B.C., 39(3) A.B.C., and Sections 44, 50(A), and 51 of the Vanya Prani Sanrakshan Adhiniyam.
Source reference: p.1The prosecution alleges that secret information was received by forest officers that some villagers had hunted a deer (Chital) in the Pithora forest Ranger area by erecting electric wires and were preparing its meat.
Source reference: p.2A search was conducted, leading to the seizure of items including G.I. wire, an axe, utensils, masalas, and meat.
Source reference: p.2, 4The co-accused and the applicant were arrested and obtained judicial remand from the JMFC Pithoura.
Source reference: p.2, 4The applicant has been in judicial custody since September 6, 2025.
Source reference: p.3A charge-sheet has been filed in this case.
Source reference: p.3, 4The applicant has three prior criminal antecedents.
Source reference: p.3, 4Issues
1. Whether the applicant, Ramjee, should be granted regular bail in connection with Crime No. 20657/12.
Source reference: p.1Law Applied
The court applied Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for the grant of regular bail.
Source reference: p.1The decision also involved considering the nature and gravity of the allegations, the period of custody, and the likelihood of the trial's conclusion taking time.
Source reference: p.6The court further referenced provisions for the conduct of the applicant during bail, including undertaking not to seek adjournments, presence in court (Section 269 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), consequences of misusing liberty of bail (Section 84 and Section 209 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), and presence at specific trial stages (Section 351 of BNSS).
Source reference: p.7(i)-(iv)Reasoning
The court considered the applicant's request for regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Source reference: p.1Despite the prosecution's opposition, which highlighted the applicant's three criminal antecedents, the gravity of the offense (hunting deer with electric wires and preparing meat), and the filing of a charge-sheet, the court found merit in the applicant's plea.
Source reference: p.4The court weighed the nature and gravity of the allegations against the applicant's detention period since September 6, 2025, and acknowledged that the conclusion of the trial was likely to take a significant amount of time.
Source reference: p.3, 6Based on these factors, the court was inclined to grant bail.
Source reference: p.6Holding
The court allowed the applicant's First Bail Application.
Ramjee, involved in Crime No. 20657/12, registered at Police Station – Forest Division Officer, Pithora District – Mahasamund (C.G.), for offenses under Sections 9 read with Section 2(16) A.B.C., 39(3) A.B.C., and Sections 44, 50(A), and 51 of Vanya Prani Sanrakshan Adhiniyam, is to be released on bail.
Source reference: p.7This release is contingent upon his furnishing a personal bond with two sureties in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned court, subject to several conditions.
Source reference: p.7Conditions include an undertaking not to seek adjournments for evidence.
Source reference: p.7(i)Conditions include presence before the trial court on each date.
Source reference: p.7(ii)Conditions include consequences for misusing liberty of bail, including proceedings under Section 84 and Section 209 of BNSS.
Source reference: p.7(iii)Conditions include personal presence at key stages of the trial, including opening of the case, framing of charge, and recording of statement under Section 351 of BNSS.
Source reference: p.7(iv)Original Court PDF
RAMJEEvsSTATE OF CHHATTISGARH
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