Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 01 September 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Appellant Ajeet Kumar @ Ajit Kumar versus State of Bihar & another respondent.
  • Criminal Appeal No. 4136 of 2026 (Special Leave Petition No. 12373 of 2026) arising from High Court order dated 27‑04‑2026 in CR. MISC. No. 81850/2025.
  • Accused in Crime No.43/2023 registered at Police Station‑Buxar Town, District‑Buxar, Bihar under IPC Sections 409, 406, 420 read with Sections 120B/34.
  • Allegations: While employed at Bihar State Seed Corporation Collection Centre, Buxar, appellant purchased 1,291 quintals of wheat from farmers for Rs 26,01,315 and failed to pay; issued a cheque of Rs 25,00,000 in favour of farmers which was dishonoured.
  • Arrested on 21‑Oct‑2024 and remained in custody pending trial; investigation completed and charge‑sheet filed, but trial not commenced.
  • High Court (Patna) rejected regular bail application on 27‑Apr‑2026.
  • Counsel for appellant (Mrs. Anjana Prakash, Sr. Adv.) argued improbability of appellant’s involvement given low position, lack of cheque trace, and prolonged detention; sought bail enlargement.
  • Counsel for State of Bihar (Mr. Divyansh Mishra) highlighted appellant’s nine criminal antecedents (five detailed) and seriousness of allegations, opposing bail.
  • Appellant’s counsel noted that in five of the antecedent cases appellant is presently on bail and emphasized that continued detention is unjustified.

Final Outcome

  • Supreme Court set aside the High Court order dated 27‑04‑2026.
  • Directed that appellant be produced before the jurisdictional Judicial Magistrate within a maximum of 7 days from the order date.
  • Upon production, appellant shall be released on bail on terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the magistrate.
  • Criminal Appeal allowed; any pending applications to stand disposed of.

Topics: Bail, Criminal Law, Agricultural Fraud