Multiple similar excise-offence antecedents justified denial of regular bail.

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, after her arrest in Crime No. 223/2026, registered under Section 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915.

The prosecution alleged that a search of her house resulted in the seizure of 10 litres of handmade raw mahua liquor and 7.200 litres of country-made plain liquor.

The applicant had been in custody since 14 July 2026, and the charge-sheet had been filed.

The State opposed bail, relying on four prior Excise Act cases: two disposed of and two pending.

Whether the applicant should be released on regular bail under Section 483 BNSS, having regard to the allegations, the seizure, and her criminal antecedents.

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

The alleged offence was punishable under Section 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915.

The Court assessed the bail application by considering the facts and circumstances, the nature and gravity of the allegations, the seized liquor, and the applicant’s criminal antecedents.

The Court considered that the alleged liquor was seized from the applicant’s house and that she had four prior cases under the Excise Act, including two pending cases under Section 34(2).

Although the applicant had been in custody and the charge-sheet had been filed, the Court treated the repeated antecedents as indicating that she was a habitual offender and concluded that bail was not warranted.

The bail application was dismissed.