Kynmoobha Patwad v. State of Meghalaya and Ors

JUDGMENT AND ORDER (ORAL)

¶1This is an application under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 filed by the petitioner for grant of anticipatory bail.

¶2The brief facts of the case leading to the filing of this instant application is that, there is a long-standing land dispute between two villages i.e. Lama Village and Lakadong Ummat Village in the East Jaintia Hills District.

¶3In view of the proposed acquisition of part of the land in dispute, an inquiry was conducted by the authorities concerned, wherein, on 03.03.2026, parties from both groups, had gathered at the place of inspection, however, in the ensuing inquiry process, an altercation took place between the two groups as a result of which, it has been alleged that some gunshots were fired injuring some of those who are present at the said place of inspection. In this connection, an FIR was lodged by the Waheh Shnong and the Secretary of Lama Village respectively, the same being registered as Khliehriat P.S. Case No. 104 of 2026 under Section 109/118(2)/191(3)/61(2)/132/3(5) BNS read with Section 27 of the Arms Act.

¶4In course of investigation, as has been indicated in the FIR, the petitioner herein has been named as one of the accused persons involved in the said incident. To this extent, the petitioner had filed an application for grant of anticipatory bail before the Court of the learned Sessions Judge, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat which was rejected. Thereafter, he has now approached this Court with this application.

¶5This Court upon hearing the parties, had vide order dated

15.04.2026, granted interim bail to the petitioner, inter alia, on conditions that he shall not abscond and shall cooperate with the investigation as and when required. The status report as well as the case diary was also called for by this Court.

¶6Today, Mr. S. Sengupta, learned Addl. PP assisted by Ms. S. Kh. Nongrum, learned GA on behalf of the State respondent, has submitted that the status report as well as the case diary is produced before this Court.

¶7It is also the submission of the learned Addl. PP that, though, the petitioner has cooperated with the investigation and had appeared before the Investigating Officer, however, the process of interrogation is not yet complete. There is however no submission made by the learned Addl. PP as far as the prayer of the petitioner herein is concerned.

¶8This Court, on consideration of the submission made, and in view of

the conduct of the petitioner, is accordingly inclined to allow the prayer made herein.

¶9In the event of his arrest, the petitioner is directed to be released on bail on the following conditions:

i) That he shall not abscond or tamper with the evidence or witnesses;

ii) That he shall cooperate with the Investigating Officer;

iii) That he shall not leave the jurisdiction of Meghalaya, except with due permission of the Investigating Officer; and

iv) That he shall bind himself on a personal bond of ₹ 20,000/- (Rupees twenty thousand) with one surety of like amount to the satisfaction of the Trial Court.

¶10The interim bail granted is hereby made absolute.

¶11In view of the above, this application is disposed of accordingly. No Costs.

Judge

Date: 2026.04.20 17:17:49 IST

Serial No. 05 Regular List HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA AT SHILLONG AB. No. 8 of 2026 Date of Decision: 20.04.2026 Shri. Kynmoobha Patwad, S/o (L) Onil Suchen, Resident of Lakadong Ummat, Ladrymbai, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya-793160. …….. Petitioner - Vs- 1. State of Meghalaya represented by Secretary, Home Police Department, Government of Meghalaya. 2. The Officer-in-Charge, Ladrymbai Police Outpost. 3. The Officer-in-Charge, Khliehriat Police Station. ……… Respondents Coram: Hon'ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge Appearance: For the Petitioner/Appellant(s) : Mr. J. Shylla, Adv. with Mr. M.L. Nongpiur, Adv. For the Respondent(s) : Mr. S. Sengupta, Addl. PP with Ms. S. Kh. Nongrum, GA. i) Whether approved for reporting in Law journals etc.: ii) Whether approved for publication in press: