arrangement (video conferencing/physical mode).

Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned counsel for the State.

This is an application under section 438 of Cr.P.C. for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner in connection with R. Udayagiri P.S. Case No.58 of 2021 corresponding to G.R. Case No.66 of 2021 pending in the Court of learned Special Judge -cum- Sessions Judge, Gajapati for alleged commission of offences under sections 147 / 148 / 323 / 324 / 307 / 186 / 353 / 332 / 294 / 342 / 506 / 269 / 270 / 149 of the Indian Penal Code, section 51(b) of Disaster Management Act, 2005, section 3(1) of Epidemic Diseases Act, Signature Not Verified // 2 // Digitally Signed Signed by: SIPUN BEHERA Designation: Junior Stenographer Reason: Authentication Location: HIGH COURT OF ORISSA, CUTTACK Date: 02-Aug-2023 17:58:56 1987 read with section 3(1)(r)(s)/3(2)(va) of the S.C. & S.T. (PoA) Act and section 3 of P.D.P.P. Act.

Considering the submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the allegation against the petitioner is that he violated COVID-19 guidelines by congregating in a marriage ceremony and further submission that the ingredients of the offence under section 3 of the S.C. & S.T. (PoA) Act is not made out and therefore, section 18 of the said Act is not a bar in entertaining this application under section 438 of Cr.P.C. and similarly situated co- accused persons have already been released on anticipatory bail by this Court and after hearing learned counsel for the State, I am inclined to release the petitioner on anticipatory bail and accordingly, this Court directs that in the event of arrest of the petitioner in connection with the aforesaid case, he shall be released on bail on furnishing bail bond of Rs.10,000/- (rupees ten thousand) with two sureties each for the like amount to the satisfaction of the arresting officer with further conditions that he shall make himself available for interrogation by the I.O. as and when required and he shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing any facts to the Page 2 of 3 Signature Not Verified // 3 // Digitally Signed Signed by: SIPUN BEHERA Designation: Junior Stenographer Reason: Authentication Location: HIGH COURT OF ORISSA, CUTTACK Date: 02-Aug-2023 17:58:56 Courts or to the Investigating Officer.

Violation of any of the conditions shall entail cancellation of bail.

The ABLAPL is accordingly disposed of. Issue urgent certified copy as per Rules.

( S.K. Sahoo) Judge sipun Page 3 of 3