Bail granted for Arms Act violation where no injury resulted despite applicant’s prior criminal antecedents.

The applicant was arrested on 03.02.2026 following a police search near Sirsa Gate, Bhilai-3, where a 12-inch sharp-edged knife was recovered from his possession

He was charged under Section 25 of the Arms Act in connection with Crime No. 80/2026

The applicant has been in custody since 03.02.2026

Procedural history shows the applicant has four criminal antecedents from 2016, 2017, and 2020 under the IPC; two cases are disposed of (one resulting in conviction), and one case from 2020 remains pending

The investigation is complete, and a charge-sheet has been filed

Whether the applicant is entitled to regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, considering his period of detention and criminal history

Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which governs the High Court's power to grant regular bail

The substantive charge was under Section 25 of the Arms Act

procedural requirements for trial attendance and consequences for non-compliance under Sections 209, 269, and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the BNSS

The Court evaluated the nature and gravity of the offense alongside the applicant's 40-day detention period

Although the applicant was found with a lethal weapon and possessed a criminal record, the Court noted that he had not caused actual injury to any individual in the present instance

The Court observed that since the charge-sheet has already been filed and the trial is expected to take significant time, continued incarceration was not necessary

The Court mitigated the risk posed by the applicant's criminal antecedents by imposing stringent conditions, including a prohibition on seeking adjournments and mandatory personal appearance during key trial stages such as framing of charges and recording of statements under Section 351 of the BNSS

The holding directed the applicant's release upon furnishing a personal bond with two sureties

The relief is contingent upon strict conditions: the applicant must not seek adjournments when witnesses are present [para 8(i)], must appear on every trial date [para 8(ii)], and must be personally present for the framing of charges and recording of statements [para 8(iv)]

Any violation of these conditions allows the trial court to treat the default as an abuse of liberty and proceed in accordance with law