Ranvir Singh and Jagdeep Singh granted bail with strict conditions; ASI penalized for erroneous criminal antecedent report.
In a significant development, the Chhattisgarh High Court, presided over by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, has granted bail to Ranvir Singh and Jagdeep Singh, accused under Sections 34(1) and 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act for allegedly possessing 2,461.68 bulk liters of illicit liquor. The court's decision came after considering the lack of significant criminal antecedents and the prolonged custody of the applicants.
The case, registered at Police Station Jashpur, involved the interception of a vehicle on 7th October 2025, leading to the discovery of large quantities of illicit liquor. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the court noted that Applicant No. 2, Jagdeep Singh, had no criminal antecedents, and Applicant No. 1, Ranvir Singh, had only one antecedent in Punjab. Given these factors and the likelihood of a protracted trial, the court deemed the applicants eligible for bail.
The bail was granted under strict conditions to ensure compliance with the trial process and prevent the misuse of liberty. The conditions include mandatory presence on specific trial dates and a commitment not to seek unnecessary adjournments. Failure to comply with these conditions would be treated as an abuse of bail, with the court authorized to take appropriate action.
In a related development, the court addressed the issue of incorrect reporting of criminal antecedents by ASI Manoj Bhagat. Initially, it was reported that Jagdeep Singh had 19 criminal antecedents, a claim later found to be baseless. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jashpur, confirmed the error, attributing it to negligence by ASI Bhagat, who was fined Rs. 500 and warned of stricter disciplinary action for any future lapses.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the leniency of the penalty and directed the Director General of Police to reconsider the disciplinary measures against the errant official. Additionally, an explanation was sought from the Senior Superintendent of Police for the oversight in handling such a serious matter.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding legal processes while ensuring accountability within law enforcement agencies. The matter is set for further review on 8th July 2026, to ensure compliance with the court's directives.
Bottom line:-
Regular bail granted to applicants accused under Sections 34(1) and 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act considering lack of significant criminal antecedents and prolonged custody, with specific conditions imposed to ensure trial participation and prevent misuse of liberty.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 483, Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915 Sections 34(1) and 34(2), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Section 269, Section 84 of BNSS, Section 209 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 351 of BNSS.
Ranvir Singh v. State of Chhattisgarh, (Chhattisgarh) : Law Finder Doc id # 2931815
