The High Court of Orissa at Cuttack recently denied the bail application filed by one Sushil Mandal, who is facing charges under Section 69(2)(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly committing rape. The order was passed on July 25, 2025, by Justice G. Satapathy in BLAPL No. 1084 of 2025.
The petitioner had filed this bail application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), seeking relief in connection with Kalimela PS Case No. 154 of 2024, corresponding to CT Case No. 86 of 2024, which is currently pending before the learned Senior Civil Judge-cum-Assistant Sessions Judge (Women’s Court), Malkangiri.
Read also:- Patna High Court Acquits Man in NDPS Case Over Lack of Proper Search, Seizure, and Evidence Handling
“This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual/Physical Mode),” noted the court while beginning the proceedings.
Advocate Mr. Girish Kumar Sundaray appeared on behalf of Mr. Rajib Lochan Pattanaik, representing the petitioner, while Mr. A. Pradhan, Additional Public Prosecutor, appeared on behalf of the State of Odisha.
The court, after reviewing the case records and arguments from both parties, took into account the gravity of the offence. It emphasized that the allegations involved a serious offence of rape and that the victim had not yet been examined.
Read also:- SC Grants Concurrent Sentence to 78-Year-Old in POCSO Case
“After having considered the rival submissions and on going through the materials placed on record and taking into account the severity of allegation and on going through the statement of the victim, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the Petitioner at this stage, especially when the victim is yet to be examined,” stated Justice Satapathy.
Read also:- Accused Granted Anticipatory Bail by Delhi High Court in Metal Bangle Recovery Case
In view of the above, the court found it inappropriate to grant bail at this stage of the trial.
“Hence, the bail application of the petitioner stands rejected,” concluded the order.
The court then disposed of the bail application and directed that an urgent certified copy of the order be issued as per legal procedures.
Case Title: Sushil Mandal vs. State of Odisha
Case Number: BLAPL No. 1084 of 2025