This single-bench order dismissed a bail application filed by a petitioner facing charges under BNS and the SC/ST Act. The court refused bail as the trial was near conclusion and direct allegations existed.
Bail application rejected; petitioner to remain in custody.
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2026:JHHC:27823
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI
B.A. No. 6879 of 2026
Soshti Panda @ Sashti Panda, aged about 28 years, son of Bhola Panda @ Bhola Nath Panda, resident of village-Shivtala, P.O.+P.S.Kathikund, District-Dumka, Jharkhand … … Petitioner Versus
CORAM :HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE ANUBHA RAWAT CHOUDHARY
For the Petitioner : Mr. Rajiva Sharma, Sr. Advocate For the State : Mr. Rakesh Ranjan, APP For the Informant : Ms. Ashna Khanam, Advocate
06 /15.09.2026
1. Heard the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the parties.
2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in custody since 06.06.2025 in connection with SC/ST Case No.14 of 2025 (arising out of Kathikund P.S. Case No.21 of 2025), registered under section 69, 115, 126(2), 351(2), 352, 303(2) and read with 3/5 of BNS and section 3(1)(s) of SC/ST Act, (Charge has been framed under sections 69 BNS, section 6 of POCSO Act and section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (POA) Act, pending in the Court of learned Special Judge, SC/ST Act, Dumka.
3. Learned counsel for the informant undertakes and is permitted to file Vakalatnama during the course of the day.
4. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the opposite party-State has submitted that all the 3 prosecution witnesses have been examined before the court. He has produced a memo dated 13.09.2026 issued by the officer in-charge of the concerned police station.
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2026:JHHC:27823
5. Considering the fact that the trial is at the fag end and there is direct allegation against the petitioner, this Court is not inclined to enlarge the petitioner on bail.
6. This bail application is hereby rejected.
7. Let a copy of this order be communicated to the court concerned through ‘FAX/E-mail’.
(Anubha Rawat Choudhary, J.)
15.09.2026 Rakesh/Uploaded on:-16.09.2026
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1 issue framed by the court
Whether the petitioner's bail application should be allowed given the stage of trial and direct allegations.
Soshti Panda @ Sashti Panda
The State of Jharkhand
X(Victim/Informant)
Anubha Rawat Choudhary
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
