Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur

Order Date: 01/10/2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Applicants – Maya Yadav (president of Shri Radha Mohan Women’s Self‑Help Group, later resigned) and Harishankar Sahu (assistant seller/labourer); Respondent – State of Chhattisgarh represented by SHO, Police Station Mandir Hasaud, Raipur.
  • Crime: Registered as Crime No. 373/2026 at Police Station Mandir Hasaud, Raipur under Sections 318(4), 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
  • Allegations: During a surprise inspection of the Government Fair Price Shop at Gram Panchayat Serikhedi, a shortage of 1,225 quintals of food grains was found, valued at approximately ₹50,09,956. The inspection report led to the registration of the crime against the applicants and others.
  • Counsel Submissions:
  • Senior Advocate Amrito Das (for Maya Yadav) argued that Yadav resigned as president in 2022, thus could not be responsible for the alleged shortage.
  • Advocate Akash Agrawal (for Harishankar Sahu) contended Sahu is a labourer, not a salesman, and had previously obtained anticipatory bail in a related case (MCRCA No. 1531/2026).
  • State counsel Ramnarayan Sahu (Deputy Government Advocate) maintained that the applicants are implicated, citing investigation material that identifies Anju Yadav as the saleswoman.

Final Outcome

  • The Court, after hearing counsel and reviewing documents, allowed the anticipatory bail applications without commenting on the merits.
  • Each applicant must execute a personal bond of ₹25,000 with an equal surety.
  • Conditions imposed:

1. Appear for interrogation before the Investigation Officer as required.

2. No inducement, threat, or promise to any person to withhold information.

3. No act prejudicial to a fair and speedy trial.

4. Appear before the trial Court on every date fixed until the trial concludes.

  • The Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the concerned trial Court for compliance.

Topics: Anticipatory Bail, Food Grain Shortage, Court Proceedings