Dr. P. V. Varavara Rao v. National Investigation Agency And ANR.

by Laxmikant G.

Chandan Date: 2021.03.01 14:48:49 +0530 Laxmikant G.

Chandan

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO.744 OF 2021 IN CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.52 OF 2021 Dr. P V Varavara Rao : Applicant.

Versus

National Investigation Agency & anr.

: Respondents.

ALONG WITH CRIMINAL WRIT PETITION NO.63 OF 2021 Pendyala Hemalatha : Petitioner.

Versus

The State of Maharashtra and ors.

: Respondents.

Mr. Anand Grover, Senior Advocate a/w Ms. Susan Abraham i/by Mr. R Sathyanarayanan for the Applicant.

Mr. Sandesh Patil a/w Mr. Aditya Thakkar, Mr. Shriram Shirsat and Mr. D. P. Singh for the Respondent/NIA.

Mr. Deepak Thakare, PP for the Respondent/State. CORAM : S. S. SHINDE, MANISH PITALE, JJ DATE : 01st MARCH 2021 P.C.

Not on board. Taken on production board.

By our order dated 22/02/2021 the under-trial was directed to be released on bail inter-alia on the following condition :- "(b) The under-trial - Dr. P. V. Varavara Rao is directed to be discharged from the Nanavati Hospital depending

upon his health condition as on today and he be released on bail, for the present, for a period of six months on his furnishing a P. R. Bond of Rs.50,000/- and two solvent sureties in the like amount, subject to the following conditions."

This criminal application is moved on behalf of the under-trial. It is submitted that some time/period would be consumed in satisfying the aforesaid condition of furnishing two solvent sureties due to Covid-19 pandemic situation, and that therefore, the under-trial may be directed to be released on his furnishing cash surety in the sum of Rs.50,000/- for a period of one month so as to enable him to arrange for the aforesaid two solvent sureties.

Although the learned counsel appearing for the Respondent - NIA opposed the grant of such prayer, we are of the opinion that in the interest of justice, due to prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation, the aforesaid limited prayer can be granted.

Accordingly the under-trial is directed to be released on bail on his furnishing cash surety in the sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) and extension of time is granted till 05/04/2021 for furnishing two

solvent sureties as directed in the order dated 22/02/2021. It is made clear that all other conditions stated in the aforesaid order dated 22/02/2021 shall operate without any modification.

It is further made clear that the extension of time to furnish two solvent sureties is granted for the aforesaid limited period in view of Covid-19 pandemic situation.

The criminal application stands disposed of in above terms. All concerned parties to act upon an ordinary copy of this order duly authenticated by the Court Sheristedar.

[MANISH PITALE, J] [S. S. SHINDE , J]