Pratik Anil Salve v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR

11-BA-1878-2024.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 1878 OF 2024 Pratik Anil Salve ...Applicant

VERSUS

The State of Maharashtra and Anr.

...Respondents

....

Ms. Rui Danawala a/w Mr. Ibrahim Shaikh i/b Ashraf Ali Shaikh, Advocate for the Applicant.

Mr. S. V. Walve A.P.P. for the Respondent - State. Ms. Komal G. Sinha, appointed Advocate for Respondent No.2. ....

CORAM

:

N. R. BORKAR, J.

DATE :

31.01.2025.

P.C.

:

1.

This is an application for bail.

2.

The applicant came to be arrested in Crime No. 591 of 2023 registered at Sangvi Police Station, Dist- Pune for the offences punishable under Sections 376, 376(2)(N), 506 and 384 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 4, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act and Section 67(A) of the Information Technology Act. 3.

According to the prosecution, the applicant and the victim got acquainted with each other through social media. There are allegations of forcible sexual intercourse. 4.

I have heard the learned counsel for the applicant, the learned APP for the respondent/State, learned counsel for the Respondent No.2 and perused the statement of the victim.

Pramod Lakare

11-BA-1878-2024.doc 5.

There was a love affair between the applicant and the victim. Prima-facie the alleged physical relationship between the applicant and the victim appears to be consensual.

6.

The learned APP submits that the applicant was married. However it appears that at the relevant time the applicant was divorcee.

7.

The learned counsel for the applicant, on instructions, submits that the applicant is still willing to marry the victim.

8.

Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case, I am inclined to release the applicant on bail. In the result, the following order is passed:

O R D E R

A] The Application is allowed.

B] The applicant be released on bail in Crime No. 591 of 2023 registered at Sangvi Police Station, Dist- Pune for the offences punishable under Sections 376, 376(2)(N), 506 and 384 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 4, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act and Section 67(A) of the Information Technology Act, on furnishing P.R Bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand) with one or two sureties in the like amount.

9.

Application stands disposed of accordingly (N. R. BORKAR, J.) Pramod Lakare