NARENDRA PRAJAPATI Vs. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is the first application filed by the applicant under Sec. 483 of B.N.S.S. for grant of bail. The applicant has been arrested in connection with Crime No.48/2026 registered at Police Station - Karera, District - Shivpuri (M.P.) for the offence under Sec. 34(2) of the Excise Act.

(2.) As per the prosecution case, 60 bulk litres of country-made illicit liquor has been found from the possession of the applicant. Learned counsel for the applicant submitted that applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated. He is in custody since 21/1/2026. Charge-sheet is likely to be filed soon and investigation is almost over, therefore, there is no requirement of further custodial interrogation of the applicant. Further argument is that offence is triable by the JMFC and trial is likely to take long time to conclude. Applicant is the permanent resident of District - Shivpuri (M.P.) and there is no possibility of his absconsion or tampering with the prosecution evidence, if released on bail.

(3.) On the other hand, the learned State counsel vehemently opposed the bail application and prayed for its rejection on the ground that the applicant has a criminal history of five cases; however, he fairly admitted that the cases registered against the present applicant are not similar in nature.