Ashok Anant Sawant v. The State Of Maharashtra

Mhi 1 BA-1224-17.sxw

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINALBAIL APPLICATION NO. 1224 OF 2017 Ashok Anant Sawant ...

Applicant Vs.

The State of Maharashtra ...

Respondent Mr.A.H.Ponda i/b. Mr. Datta Mane, for the applicant. Mrs.P.P.Shinde, APP, for the State.

CORAM:

SMT.SADHANA S.JADHAV, J.

DATE : 8th AUGUST, 2017.

P.C.

The learned APP submits that the charge is framed in the present case on 14.6.2017.

2.

The learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant has been in custody for more than six months as he was arrested on 31.1.2017. It is pertinent to note that charge-sheet is filed under Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offices Act, 2012 (for short POCSO Act) and under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code. The punishment contemplated under Section 8 of the POCSO Act is not less than three years which may extend to five years. 3.

Taking into consideration the allegations levelled against the applicant, this Court is of the opinion that the trial needs to be expedited

Mhi 2 BA-1224-17.sxw and the application seeking enlargement is not being considered on merits only because the charge is already framed. In view of this, the learned Special Court, Thane, seized with Speial Case No.88 of 2017 shall make every endeavour to conclude the recording of evidence, as far as possible, within three months from the date of receipt of this order. 4.

The Application stands disposed of.

[SMT. SADHANA S.JADHAV, J.]