Chhattisgarh High Court grants pre-arrest bail in alleged ₹50-lakh fair-price shop grain shortage case

The applications arose from Crime No. 373/2026, registered at Police Station Mandir Hasaud under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

The prosecution alleged that an inspection of a fair price shop operated by Shri Radha Mohan Women’s Self-Help Group found a shortage of 1,225 quintals of food grains, valued at approximately ₹50,09,956, along with other irregularities

Maya Yadav contended that she had resigned as the Group’s president in 2022; Harishankar Sahu asserted that he worked as a labourer, not as a salesman.

The State opposed the applications, identifying Anju Yadav as the saleswoman.

The applicants sought anticipatory bail under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Whether the applicants should be granted anticipatory bail in connection with Crime No. 373/2026

Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 provides for a direction granting bail to a person apprehending arrest.

The Court considered the nature of the allegations and the parties’ submissions in determining whether to grant that relief.

Having considered the facts, the nature of the allegations, counsel’s submissions, and the documents on record, the Court found it appropriate to grant anticipatory bail.

It did so without expressing any view on the merits, and made release subject to cooperation with investigation, non-interference with witnesses or the fairness of trial, and attendance before the trial court.

In the event of arrest in Crime No. 373/2026, each applicant is to be released on anticipatory bail on executing a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety for the like amount, subject to the stated conditions.

The Registry was directed to send a certified copy of the order to the trial court for information and compliance.