Shaikh Khaled Shaikh Jalil v. The State Of Maharashtra

2024:BHC-AUG:26882

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD 921 ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO.1598 OF 2024 SHAIKH KHALED SHAIKH JALIL

VERSUS

THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA ...

Advocate for the applicant : Adv.S.G.Sonawane APP for Respondent-State : Mr.G.O.Wattamwar ...

CORAM : ARUN R. PEDNEKER, J.

DATE : 14.11.2024 P.C. :

1] Heard learned counsel for the applicant and the learned APP for the respondent-State.

2] The applicant is apprehending arrest in connection with Crime No. 0278/2023, registered with Kinwat Police Station, Kinwat, District Nanded, for the offences punishable under sections 34, 188, 273, 328 of Indian Penal Code and sections 26, 27, 30 (2) (a), 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

3] Considering the judgment of this Court in the case of Gaurav Jayantbhai Hapani Vs. The State of Maharashtra in Anticipatory Bail Application No.3406 of 2022, decided on 19.01.2023 and also the order passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Eknath

Bhalchandra Patil Vs. The State of Maharashtra in Petition (s) for Special Leave to Appeal (Cri.) No. 8698/2023, decided on 28.07.2023 wherein in identical fact situation, the Hon'ble Supreme Court so also this Court in the above noted judgments has observed that applicability of Section 328 of Indian Penal Code [123 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita] is doubted in the case of seizure of tobacco and tobacco produces including Gutkha and anticipatory bail has been granted. In the instant case also, except Section 328 of the Indian Penal Code, all other offences are bailable and the same is not disputed by the learned APP and the matter pertains to seizure of tobacco and tobacco products including Gutkha.

4] In view of the above, the application is allowed in the following terms :

i] In the event the applicant is arrested in connection with Crime No. 0278/2023, registered with Kinwat Police Station, Kinwat, District Nanded, for the offences punishable under sections 34, 188, 273, 328 of Indian Penal Code and Sections 26, 27, 30 (2) (a), 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, he shall be released on bail on furnishing PR bond of Rs.1 lac with one or two sureties in the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court.

ii] The applicant shall attend the concerned Police Station as and when called by the Investigating Officer.

iii] The applicant shall not tamper with the evidence of the prosecution in any manner. He shall not influence the informant, witnesses and other persons concerned with the case.

iv] The applicant shall co-operate with the investigation and also in the proceedings before the trial Court.

5] In the event, the applicant violates any of the conditions specified in this order, it shall be liable to be cancelled.

6] It is also clarified that the observations made in this order are limited to the disposal of the present anticipatory bail application and the trial Court shall proceed further in the matter without being influenced by the observations made hereinabove.

7] The application stands disposed of.

[ARUN R. PEDNEKER] JUDGE DDC