Somnath Arun Londhe v. The State Of Maharashtra

22_ABA_1521_24.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO. 1521 OF 2024 Somnath Arun Londhe ...

Applicant vs.

The State of Maharashtra ...

Respondent Mr. Sunil Pandey a/w. Amit V. Tripathi for applicant. Mr. Prasanna P. Malshe, APP for respondent-State. CORAM : MANISH PITALE, J.

DATE :

18th JUNE, 2024 P.C. :

.

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

2.

At the outset, the learned counsel for the applicant informs this Court that a co-accused person has been granted interim protection by the Vacation Court (Coram: M. W. Chandwani, J) by order dated 21.05.2024 passed in Anticipatory Bail Application No.1433 of 2024 and that the said application is now to be listed on 03.07.2024.

3.

Request is made to grant interim protection to the applicant in this application and to hear the same with the aforementioned application, to be listed on 03.07.2024.

4.

Additionally, it is submitted that the applicant is alleged to be a driver of the vehicle said to be involved in the transport of illegally excavated sand. This Court is further informed that the main accused persons have been granted regular bail by the Sessions Court.

Digitally signed by PRIYA KAMBLI Date:

2024.06.18 18:40:24 +0530 1/2 PRIYA KAMBLI

22_ABA_1521_24.doc 5.

Considering the role ascribed to the applicant as being merely the driver of the vehicle and as the applicant does not appear to have any criminal antecedents, this Court is inclined to grant interim protection. 6.

In view of the above, interim relief is granted on the following terms: (i) In the event the applicant is arrested in connection with FIR No.0122 of 2024 dated 25.02.2024 registered at Pandharpur Taluka Police Station, District Solapur Rural for offences under Sections 353, 504, 506, 379, 143, 147 and 149 of Indian Penal Code, 1860, Sections 4 and 25 of Arms Act, 1959 alongwith Sections 3 and 7 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, he shall be released on bail on furnishing PR Bond of 25,000/- (Rupees Twenty-five Thousand only) ₹ and one surety in the like amount.

(ii) The applicant shall remain present before the Investigating Officer on 24.06.2024 and thereafter, as and when the Investigating Officer calls upon him to remain present.

(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.

7.

List on 03.07.2024 alongwith Anticipatory Bail Application No.1433 of 2024.

(MANISH PITALE, J) Priya Kambli 2/2