JUDGMENT Anjuli Palo, J. - This is first application under Section 438 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 filed by the applicant for grant of anticipatory bail. The applicant is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.257/2020 registered at Police Station-Kotwali Bhopal, District-Bhopal (MP) for the offences punishable under Section 295A of Indian Penal Code. 2. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the crime. It is also submitted that the applicant is aged about 67 years and he is a senior journalist working at Bhopal. Police registered a false case against him. It is also submitted that no case under Section 295A of I.P.C. is made out against the applicant. It is further submitted that keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the fact that the trial would take a considerable time, the applicant may be released on anticipatory bail. 3. On the contrary, learned Panel Lawyer for the respondent/State has strongly opposed the contentions of learned counsel for the applicant and submitted that offence is serious in nature and prayed for rejection of the present bail application. 4. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and specially looking to the fact that the applicant is aged about 67 years, without commenting on the merits of the case, this anticipatory bail application is allowed. 6. It is directed that in the event of arrest applicant-Krishnanad Shastri shall be enlarged on bail on furnishing personal bond in the sum of Rs.45,000/- (Rupees Forty Five Thousand Only) with one solvent surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the Arresting officer (Investigating Officer) for his regular appearance before the Police during the investigation or before the Court during trial, as the case may be. 7. It is directed that the applicant shall abide by the conditions enumerated under Section 438(2) of Cr.P.C. 8. It is made clear that the applicant shall appear before the Investigating Officer as and when he is so directed and cooperate in the investigation and he shall also appear before the trial Court regularly as and when directed. 9. Accordingly, the M.Cr.C. stands allowed.