1. Leave granted.

2. We have heard the learned senior counsel, appearing for the appellants, and the learned Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the respondent.

3. The appellant No.1 has been arraigned as an accused, in Special NIA Case No.07/2024, by the Special Judge NIA/Scheduled Crime Bastar, Place Jagadalpur (C.G.), in connection with FIR No.01/2023, registered at Police Station Bhairamgarh. Charges have been framed, against appellant No.1, for the offences punishable under Sections 18, 28 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Sections 25 and 29 of the Arms Act, 1959.

4. It is not in dispute that appellant No.1 has served as a Sarpanch for nearly 3 years. Even as per the prosecution, the case against appellant No.1 is that he had received money through UPI payments and facilitated the purchase of a revolver.

5. Considering the specific overt act attributed against him, coupled with the period of incarceration undergone by appellant No.1, along with the fact that he was, indeed, serving as a Sarpanch for nearly 3 years, we are inclined to set aside the impugned order and grant bail to appellant No.1.

6. Accordingly, the impugned order stands set aside and appellant No.1 is granted bail, subject to the terms and conditions that may be imposed by the concerned Trial Court.

7. The appeal is allowed, accordingly.

8. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.