Akanksha Arun Mehendale v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR

SKN/dtg 5-WP-4188-2025.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION WRIT PETITION NO. 4188 OF 2025 Ms.Akanksha Arun Mehendale ...

Petitioner.

V/s.

The State of Maharashtra and others.

...

Respondents.

______________________ Mr.A.R.Kulkarni with A.P.Mandlik for the Petitioner. Mr.Vinod Chate, A.P.P. for the Respondent- State. ______________________ CORAM : A. S. GADKARI AND RANJITSINHA RAJA BHONSALE, JJ.

DATE :

3rd DECEMBER 2025.

P.C.:- 1) By an elaborate and self-eloquent Order dated 19th August 2025, the co-ordinate Bench of this Court presided over by the Hon'ble Shri Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge had issued certain directions. 2) Today we have been informed by learned A.P.P. that punishment of stoppage of increment of two years is inflicted upon the said Officers. 2.1) In view of the observations made by the co-ordinate Bench in para Nos.10, 11 and 13 of its Order and the gravity of the grievance of the Petitioner, we feel that the alleged punishment imposed upon the said Officers may not be proportionate.

Learned A.P.P. made an attempt to justify the stand adopted by the Supervising Authority i.e. the Commissioner of Police, Thane, however 1/2

SKN/dtg 5-WP-4188-2025.doc we are not in agreement with him.

3) It prima facie appears to us that, after change of assignment, the Respondents are trying to change its stance. To have better clarity in the view expressed by the co-ordinate Bench in its Order dated 19th August 2025, we deem it appropriate to place the Petition before the Bench presided over by the Hon'ble Shri Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge. 4) Registry is directed to take necessary steps immediately, in that behalf.

(RANJITSINHA RAJA BHONSALE, J.) (A.S. GADKARI, J.) 2/2