Bail in coal forgery probe refused where prima facie material suggested forged documents and obstructed investigation.

Bail under Section 439 CrPC was refused in a case involving alleged forgery, illegal transportation and export of coal, and use of forged e-way bills. On the material in the case diary and statements recorded under Section 164 CrPC, the Court found a prima facie case suggesting involvement in export and import of coal with Bangladesh through forged documents, transportation beyond permitted capacity or without GST payment, and breach of the prohibitory regime on coal stocks. As release at the investigation stage was considered likely to hamper further inquiry, the bail application was rejected.

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Issues: Whether the accused-petitioner was entitled to bail in view of the allegations of forgery, illegal transportation and export of coal, and the stage of investigation.

Analysis: The petition was for bail under Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The material before the Court, including the case diary and statements recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, indicated a prima facie case that the accused was involved in export and import of coal with Bangladesh through forged documents, transportation in excess of permitted capacity or without payment of GST, use of forged e-way bills, and alleged violation of the prohibitory regime relating to coal stocks. The Court considered that release on bail at the stage of investigation was likely to hamper the investigation.

Conclusion: Bail was declined and the application was rejected.

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