Sangram Shashikant Sonule v. The State Of Maharashtra
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CIRCUIT BENCH AT KOLHAPUR CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 1160 OF 2025 Sangram Shashikant Sonule ...Applicant
Versus
The State of Maharashtra and Anr.
...Respondent
_______ Mr. Aniket Nikam a/w Mr. Atharva R.B. for Applicant. Ms. Shivani Kondekar appointed Advocate for Respondent No.2. Mr. Anand Shalgaonkar, APP for the Respondent No.1-State. _______
CORAM
:
SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.
DATE :
12th SEPTEMBER 2025 P.C.
1.
By this application, applicant is seeking regular bail in Crime No.1089 of 2023 registered with Shahupuri Police Station, District Kolhapur for the offences punishable under Sections 354(d) and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (for short "IPC") and Section 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. 2.
It is prosecution's case that applicant was stalking and harassing to the daughter of first informant, who is minor. It is alleged that earlier also the offence was registered against the applicant for stalking the victim and in the said offence. When he was on bail he again committed the same offence. Digitally signed by SAJAKALI LIYAKAT JAMADAR Date:
2025.09.15 16:51:43 +0530 SAJAKALI LIYAKAT JAMADAR
3.
It is contention of learned counsel for applicant that the maximum punishment for the offence registered against the applicant is seven years. Applicant is behind bar for more than two years and yet trial is not concluded. The Applicant undertakes not to contact or stalking the victim if he released on bail. Hence, requested to allow the application.
4.
It is contention of learned A.P.P. along with learned counsel for Respondent No.2 that applicant is around 30 years old. Earlier he committed the said offence and thereafter repeated the said offence when he was on bail. He posted the video of victim on social media. If applicant released on bail, he may threaten the victim or prosecution witnesses. Hence, requested to reject the application. 5.
I have heard all learned counsels, perused the FIR and documents produced on record. The applicant is behind bar around two years. The maximum punishment for the offence registered against the applicant is seven years. Yet trial is not concluded. Considering these facts, his further detention is not required. 6.
In view of the above, I pass the following order :
ORDER
(i) Application is allowed;
(ii) The applicant be enlarged on bail in Crime Crime No.1089 of 2023 registered with Shahupuri Police Station, District Kolhapur, on executing P.R.Bond in the sum of Rs.30,000/- with one or two sureties in the like amount.
(iii) The applicant shall not contact the victim or his family members or any person concerned with the case. (iv) The applicant shall not enter in Kolhapur District till recording of evidence of first informant and victim except attending the Court dates.
(v) The applicant shall not post any photographs or any post about victim or her family members on social media.
(vi) If applicant tried to contact the victim or her family members, it would amount to breach of this bail conditions and learned APP or first informant is at liberty to file an application for cancellation of bail. 7.
The application is allowed in the aforesaid terms and is accordingly disposed off.
8.
It is made clear that the above observations are made only for the purpose of granting bail and the Trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits in accordance with law and uninfluenced by the observations made in this order.
9.
All concerned to act on the authenticated copy of this order. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)