Ajay Pandurang Sonawane v. The State Of Maharashtra

914-APPLN-402-2025.DOC Ajit Pathrikar

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO. 402 OF 2025 Ajay Pandurang Sonawane ...Applicant

Versus

The State Of Maharashtra

...Respondent

Ms. Patil Suvidha Ramnath, for the Applicant. Ms. Anuja S. Gotad, APP for the State-Respondent. WPC - Karuna Suhas Patil, Trombay Police Station, is present.

CORAM

DR. NEELA GOKHALE, J.

DATED:

24th FEBRUARY 2026 PC:- 1.

The Applicant seeks modification of Condition 4 of the order dated 16th January 2025, whereby the Applicant was directed to not reside and enter in the area of 10 km radius from victim's house and School.

2.

Heard Ms. Suvidha Patil, learned counsel for the Applicant and Ms. Anuja Gotad, learned APP.

3.

Ms. Patil submits that the Applicant is a poor person earning only Rs.12,000/- per month. He is not able to pay the rent for separate premises and seeks permission to reside with his family. However, Ms. Anuja Gotad, on instructions from 24th February 2026

914-APPLN-402-2025.DOC the Investigation Officer, states that the house of the Applicant, where he seeks to reside, is in extremely close proximity to the house of the victim. Hence, it is not in the interest of justice and in the interest of the victim that the Applicant be permitted to reside in such close proximity to the victim.

4.

Another grievance of Ms. Patil is that charges are not framed. However, Ms. Gotad, again on instructions, submits that on the previous date i.e. on 6th January 2026, both the accused and his lawyer were absent. Hence, the grievance of Ms. Patil is misconceived.

5.

In these circumstances, I am not inclined to modify the said order.

6.

The Criminal Application is rejected and disposed of accordingly.

(Dr. Neela Gokhale, J) 24th February 2026