Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur

Order Date: 31.07.2026

Case Overview

  • Applicant: K. R. Chouksey, aged about 65, resident of Vaibhav Homes, Piplani, Bhopal, MP.
  • Respondent: State of Chhattisgarh represented by S.H.O., P.S. City Kotwali, Bilaspur.
  • The applicant sought anticipatory bail under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, fearing arrest in Crime No.159/2025 registered at City Kotwali Police Station, Bilaspur, for alleged offences under IPC Sections 420/34 and CG Protection of Depositors' Interest Act, 2005 Sections 4,5,6,10.
  • Allegations: Between 2013‑2016, directors and office‑bearers of Regal Bhawan Nirman and Infrastructure India Limited induced villagers to invest approximately Rs 15,00,000, collected via local agents and deposited at the company’s office in Karbala Chowk, Bilaspur. The company allegedly failed to return the amounts, giving false assurances. The applicant is alleged to have been a director during that period.
  • Applicant’s defence: Claims to be a retired BHEL employee, not a director, promoter, manager or employee of the company during the alleged period; not named in FIR; name appears only in co‑accused Pankaj Verma’s memorandum. States that investors have settled with the main accused and amounts have been returned; main accused Pankaj Verma was granted bail on 09.07.2026. Argues that trial will be lengthy, justifying anticipatory bail.
  • State’s objection: Cites Section 15 of the CG Protection of Depositors' Interest Act, 2005, which bars anticipatory bail for offences under the Act.
  • Court’s consideration: Refers to WP(CR) No.141/2023 judgment clarifying that the bar does not apply where no prima facie material exists. Finds that prima facie case does exist; applicant is involved in three similar cases; co‑accused granted regular bail. Concludes that the case does not fall within the exception.

Final Outcome

  • The anticipatory bail application of K. R. Chouksey is rejected.
  • The court directs that a certified copy of the order be sent to the trial court for necessary information.

Topics: Anticipatory Bail, Deposit Fraud, Court Order