Authority: High Court of Odisha, Cuttack

Order Date: 25 September 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: Manas Ranjan Nayak, represented by Advocate S. Samal.
  • Opposite Party: State of Odisha, represented by ASC S. Panigrahi.
  • Criminal proceedings: G.R. Case No.626 of 2026 before Judicial Magistrate First Class (J.M.F.C.) Kujanga, arising from Paradeep Police Station Case No.176 of 2026.
  • Alleged offences: Sections 305(a) and 331(3) of the BNS, involving theft of gold ornaments.
  • State’s evidence: CCTV footage linking petitioner, gold ornaments deposited with Manapuram Asset Finance Limited by co‑accused’s wife, and petitioner’s prior similar antecedent.
  • Petitioner's claim: Implication based on an “unknown FIR” and request for pre‑arrest bail.

Final Outcome

  • The Court declined to grant pre‑arrest bail.
  • Directed petitioner to surrender to J.M.F.C. Kujanga within one month.
  • If surrender occurs, bail application to be heard at the first hour of the day; if rejected, petitioner may approach higher forum at the second hour same day.
  • Higher forum instructed to dispose of bail application on the same day and to receive case diary promptly.
  • Court order disposed; U.C.C. as per rules.

Topics: Pre‑Arrest Bail, Criminal Procedure