Bail granted for alleged misappropriation where official closure report contradicted FIR findings on stock shortage.

The applicant, a Branch Manager at the District Cooperative Central Bank, Seepat, sought regular bail following his arrest in connection with Crime No. 200/2026

Based on an inquiry by the Food Department directed by the Collector, shortages of 420.39 quintals of paddy and several thousand gunny bags were discovered at the Seepat procurement center

An FIR was registered on 07.04.2026 under Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

The applicant contended he was falsely implicated, citing a closure report/certificate dated 08.04.2026 issued by the Bank which found no shortages during the relevant period (15.11.2025 to 31.01.2026)

The applicant has been in judicial custody since 08.04.2026

1. Whether the applicant is entitled to regular bail under Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, considering the discrepancies between the inquiry report and the subsequent bank closure report.

The Court applied Section 483 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, regarding the grant of regular bail

Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, or agent

Section 269 (non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant), Section 84 (proclamation for person absconding), Section 209 (failure to appear), and Section 351 (recording of statement) of the BNS/BNSS

The Court evaluated the gravity of the allegations of misappropriation against the evidentiary inconsistencies documented in the record. It noted that while the Food Department's initial inquiry found shortages, a certificate issued by the competent bank authority on 08.04.2026 explicitly stated that no shortage of paddy or "bardana" (gunny bags) existed for the period in question

The Court observed that the FIR failed to specify the exact date or basis of the physical verification and failed to afford the applicant an opportunity to explain the discrepancy, violating principles of natural justice

Finding that the dispute appeared to be largely departmental in nature and noting that the investigation was still pending without a charge-sheet filed, the Court determined that continued incarceration was unnecessary

The Court allowed the bail application, granting regular bail to Amit Verma. The Court held that the applicant be released upon furnishing a personal bond with two sureties, subject to conditions including mandatory attendance at trial, no seeking of unnecessary adjournments, and compliance with Section 269 and 209 of the BNS in case of default