Madhukar Pandurang Adling And ANR v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR
30 APEAL 377-24-CR.DOC Priya Soparkar
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.377 OF 2024 Madhukar Pandurang Adling and anr.
...Appellants
Versus
State of Maharashtra and anr.
...Respondents
Mr. Prashant S. Hagare i/by Ms. Ujjwala Khamane, for the Appellant/Applicant.
Mr. Satyam Surana (Appointed through legal-aid), for the Respondent No.2.
Mr. A. S. Gawai, APP, for the State.
CORAM:
R. M. JOSHI, J.
DATED:
17th JANUARY, 2026.
PC:- 1.
Heard.
2.
Learned counsel for the Appellants submits that the First Information Report (FIR) itself indicates that the offence under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (Atrocities Act) has not been committed in the public view. It is his further submission that liberty of the Appellants were protected by order dated 10th April, 2024. According to him, having regard to the status of the proceedings, there is no propriety in not confirming the interim relief. PRIYA RAJESH SOPARKAR PRIYA RAJESH SOPARKAR Date: 2026.01.20 10:24:03 +0530 17th January, 2026.
30 APEAL 377-24-CR.DOC 3.
Learned APP and learned counsel for the Respondent No.2 opposed the appeal.
4.
Learned APP, on instructions, makes statement that on conclusion of investigation charge-sheet has been filed. 5.
Prima facie perusal of the FIR indicates that the alleged incident of Appellants abusing the Informant over the cause has not been committed in the public view. As such, the embargo created by Section 18 of the Atrocities Act has no application to the present case.
6.
Undeniably investigation of the crime is completed. Appellants have participated in the investigation process. 7.
Pursuant to the order passed by this Court dated 2nd April, 2025, this Court finds no reason not to confirm the said order. 8.
Appeal stands allowed.
9.
The appointed counsel be paid fees as per rules by the High Court Legal-aid Services Committee.
(R. M. JOSHI, J.) { 17th January, 2026.