Orissa High Court
Kanta Bag @ Keut vs State Of Odisha on 13 February, 2026
Author: Biraja Prasanna Satapathy
Bench: Biraja Prasanna Satapathy
IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK
CRLA No. 372 of 2019
Kanta Bag @ Keut ..... Appellant
Mr. G.N. Sahu, Advocate
-versus-
State of Odisha ..... Respondent
Mr. C.K. Pradhan, AGA
CORAM:
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY
ORDER
13.02.2026
Order No.15 I.A. No. 934 of 2024
1.This matter is taken up through hybrid mode.
2. Heard learned counsel appearing for the Parties.
3. Even though this application has been filed seeking grant of
regular bail by keeping the sentence under suspension, but in
course of hearing learned counsel appearing for the Appellant
contended that the present application be treated as an
application for interim bail for a period of three (3) months.
4. Learned counsel appearing for the Appellant contended that
Appellant has been convicted to undergo R.I. for a period of ten
(10) years with fine of Rs.5,000/-, in default to undergo R.I. for
a period of six (6) months for the offence under Sec.
376(2)(n)/417 of the I.P.C.. However, Appellant was acquitted
for the offence under Sec. 6 of the POCSO Act.
4.1. It is contended that Appellant has already undergone more
than 8 years of the substantive sentence. It is further contended
that Appellant was earlier released on interim bail by this Court
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vide order dtd.17.10.2023 and he has not violated the said order.
It is accordingly contended that since Appellant has already
undergone more than 8 years of the sentence out of 10 years and
he has not violated the earlier order passed by this Court on
17.10.2023, let the Appellant be released on interim bail for a
period of three (3) months on such terms and condition as deem
fit and proper.
5. Learned Addl. Govt. Advocate does not dispute the
contention raised by the learned counsel appearing for the
Appellant. However, it is contended that stringent condition be
imposed.
6. Having heard learned counsel appearing for the Parties,
considering the submissions made and the fact that Appellant
has already undergone more than 8 years of the substantive
sentence and he has not violated the terms and condition of
order dtd.17.10.2023, this Court is inclined to direct for release
of Appellant on interim bail for a period of three (3) months on
such terms and condition as deem fit and proper by the learned
court in seisin, in S.A. No. 91 of 2017 of the learned Addl.
District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Nuapada vide
judgment dtd.30.03.2019. However, it is observed that
Appellant shall surrender immediately after completion of the
interim bail period without fail.
7. I.A. accordingly stands disposed of.
(BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY)
Judge
16. CRLA No. 372 of 2019
1. Heard.
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2. Since the appeal is otherwise ready for hearing, list this
matter on 27th February, 2026.
(BIRAJA PRASANNA SATAPATHY)
Judge
Sneha
Signature Not Verified
Digitally Signed
Signed by: SNEHANJALI PARIDA
Reason: Authentication
Location: High Court of Orissa, Cuttack
Date: 17-Feb-2026 12:00:28
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