Bank employees accused of cheque tampering granted anticipatory bail.

The applicants, employees of the District Cooperative Central Bank, Bilaspur, sought anticipatory bail under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in Crime No. 512/2026, registered for offences under Sections 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

The complaint alleged that three cheques issued by Sewa Sahakari Samiti Maryadit, Guma, were altered to increase their amounts, causing an alleged misappropriation of ₹3,38,000; the Samiti’s manager was alleged to have withdrawn the increased amounts

The applicants denied involvement, asserting that the Society prepared and approved the cheques and its employees withdrew the funds.

The State opposed bail, noting that the investigation was ongoing and a handwriting-expert report was awaited.

Whether the applicants should be granted anticipatory bail in connection with Crime No. 512/2026

The Court considered the application under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which provides the procedural basis invoked for anticipatory bail.

The alleged offences were under Sections 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The order states no further statutory test, precedent, or general bail principle; the Court recorded that it had considered the facts, circumstances, nature of the allegations, and parties’ submissions without commenting on the merits.

The Court considered the applicants’ denial of involvement and their status as bank employees, alongside the State’s submission that the investigation remained underway and the handwriting-expert report was pending.

Without expressing any view on the merits, it found the circumstances sufficient to grant anticipatory bail.

The order does not provide a more detailed assessment of the applicants’ individual roles or the pending forensic evidence.

if arrested in Crime No. 512/2026, each applicant be released on anticipatory bail upon executing a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety in the like amount, to the satisfaction of the arresting officer

The applicants must remain available for interrogation, refrain from influencing persons acquainted with the case, avoid conduct prejudicial to a fair and expeditious trial, and attend court on each date fixed until disposal of the trial.

A certified copy was directed to be sent to the trial court for information and compliance.