Regular bail granted after charge-sheet filing, considering prolonged custody, no antecedents, and likely trial delay.

The applicant was arrested in connection with Crime No. 248/2026 registered at Police Station Aarang, District Raipur, for alleged offences under Sections 4, 6 and 10 of the Chhattisgarh Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 2004.

The prosecution alleged that the applicant and co-accused persons were transporting 19 cattle in a Mazda vehicle in an inhumane manner, without adequate food or water and without valid transportation documents.

The applicant contended that he was innocent, falsely implicated, had no criminal antecedents, and that the charge-sheet had already been filed.

He had remained in judicial custody since 11 June 2026.

The State opposed bail on the basis of the seriousness of the allegations.

1. Whether the applicant should be released on regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, despite the allegations of unlawful and inhumane transportation of 19 cattle.

2. Whether the filing of the charge-sheet, the applicant’s period of custody, absence of criminal antecedents, and the likelihood of delay in trial justified the grant of bail.

The Court applied Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, governing the High Court’s power to grant regular bail.

It considered the offences alleged under Sections 4, 6 and 10 of the Chhattisgarh Agricultural Cattle Preservation Act, 2004.

In determining bail, the Court assessed the nature and gravity of the allegations, the period of detention, whether further custodial interrogation was required, the filing of the charge-sheet, the applicant’s criminal antecedents, and the likely duration of the trial.

No judicial precedent was cited or relied upon in the order.

The Court acknowledged the serious allegation that 19 cattle had been transported in an inhumane manner without proper arrangements for food and water and without valid documents.

However, the charge-sheet had already been filed, reducing the need for further custodial interrogation.

The applicant had been in custody since 11 June 2026, had no criminal antecedents, and the trial was likely to take considerable time.

Balancing these circumstances against the nature and gravity of the alleged offences, and without expressing any opinion on the merits, the Court found the applicant entitled to bail.

The High Court directed that Ashok Kumar be released in connection with Crime No. 248/2026 upon furnishing a personal bond with two local sureties in the like amount to the satisfaction of the concerned trial court.

Bail was subject to conditions requiring him to avoid unnecessary adjournments, remain present before the trial court, appear personally at the stages of opening of the case, framing of charge and recording of his statement, and comply with directions concerning his presence during trial.

A certified copy of the order was directed to be sent to the trial court for compliance.