Chhattisgarh HC Grants Bail To Man Accused Of Possessing 30 Bulk Litres Of Illicit Liquor, Citing No Prior Record, Filed Chargesheet And Trial Delay

The applicant was arrested in connection with Crime No. 348/2026, registered at Police Station Saraipali, for an alleged offence under Section 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act.

The prosecution alleged that police seized 30 bulk litres of country-made illicit liquor from his possession following a raid based on secret information

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, contending that he was falsely implicated, the liquor was not in his exclusive possession, the charge-sheet had been filed, he had no criminal antecedents, and the trial would take time.

He had been in custody since 5 October 2026.

The State opposed bail, relying on the quantity of liquor seized.

Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, provides the basis for the Court’s consideration of an application for regular bail.

The Court assessed the application by considering the circumstances of the case, the nature and gravity of the allegations, the applicant’s criminal antecedents, completion of the investigation and filing of the charge-sheet, the period of custody, and the likely time for conclusion of trial.

The Court weighed the allegation that 30 bulk litres of illicit liquor had been seized against the applicant against the absence of criminal antecedents, the filing of the charge-sheet, the applicant’s custody since 5 October 2026, and the likelihood that the trial would take time.

On the overall circumstances, it found the applicant entitled to regular bail.

It directed that the applicant be released upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹50,000 with one surety for the like sum to the satisfaction of the trial Court.

The applicant must not influence or threaten persons acquainted with the case, must not prejudice a fair and expeditious trial, and must attend each hearing until disposal of the trial.