Patna High Court
Ranjeet Kumar MahtoversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- DISMISSED
- Bench
- SANDEEP KUMAR
Holding
Regular bail was denied to the petitioners.
Summary
The petitioners, a driver and helper, were arrested on 15 March 2026 after a police raid recovered 1,152 litres of illicit foreign liquor from a secret compartment in their truck. They were charged under Sections 30(a) and 32(3) of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act and applied for regular bail. The petitioners claimed innocence, while the State’s Additional Public Prosecutor argued they were involved in illegal liquor transport. The Patna High Court, considering the large quantity of contraband and the petitioners’ role in its transportation, declined to grant regular bail. The court emphasized that its observations were prima facie and would not affect the merits of the trial. Consequently, the bail application was rejected.
Issues considered
- Whether regular bail can be granted to the accused in a case involving alleged illegal transportation of illicit liquor under Sections 30(a) and 32(3) of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act?
Legislation cited
- Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act — s. 30(a), 32(3)
Subjects
- regular bail
- excise law
- illicit liquor
- Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act
- criminal procedure
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.27559 of 2026
Arising Out of PS. Case No.-308 Year-2026 Thana- Excise P.S. District- Kishanganj
======================================================
1. Ranjeet Kumar Mahto S/o Ramji Mahto R/o Village- Mishroliya, Afzalpur,
ward no 10, PS- Belsar, Distt.- Vaishali
2. Akhilesh Kumar S/o Kishori Paswan R/o Shankarbidwara, P.s.- Belsar,
Distt.- Vaishali
... ... Petitioner/s
Versus
The State of Bihar
... ... Opposite Party/s
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr. Mritunjay Kumar
For the Opposite Party/s : Mr. Rana Randhir Singh
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SANDEEP KUMAR
ORAL ORDER
3 06-05-2026 Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and
learned APP for the State.
2. The petitioners seek regular bail in connection with
Kishanganj Excise P.S. Case No. 308 of 2026 registered for the
offence under Sections 30(a) and 32(3) of the Bihar Prohibition
and Excise Act.
3. A total of 1152 liters of illicit foreign liquor was
recovered from a secret cabinet in the truck. The petitioners
were the driver and helper of the vehicle and both were
apprehended on the spot.
4. Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that
petitioners are innocent and have not committed any offence.
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.27559 of 2026(3) dt.06-05-2026
2/2
Petitioners are in custody since 15.03.2026.
5. Learned A.P.P. for the State has vehemently
opposed the prayer for bail and submitted that the petitioners are
involved in the illegal transportation of illicit liquor.
6. Having regard to the aforesaid facts and
circumstances of the case, the recovery of a huge quantity of
illicit liquor and the involvement of the petitioners in its
transportation, this Court is not inclined to grant regular bail to
the petitioners.
7. Accordingly, this application for regular bail stands
rejected.
8. It is made clear that any observation made herein is
prima facie in nature and limited solely for the purpose of
adjudication of the present bail application. Such observations
shall not be construed as an expression on the merits of the case
and shall not influence the trial or any other proceedings in any
manner.
(Sandeep Kumar, J)
Shishir/-
U T
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