Ramhari Pandurang Khandagale v. The State Of Maharashtra And ANR

Harish

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIRCUIT BENCH AT KOLHAPUR CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO.720 OF 2025 Ramhari Pandurang Khandagale .....Applicant Vs.

The State Of Maharashtra And Anr .....Respondents HARISH VITHAL CHAUDHARI Adv. Aniket Nikam a/w Atharva R. B. for the Applicant. Mr. N. B. Patil, APP for the Respondent-State. API Mr. Waghe, Sangola Police Station.

by HARISH VITHAL CHAUDHARI Date:

2025.09.12 17:35:29 +0530 CORAM :

SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE :

11th SEPTEMBER 2025 P.C.:

1.

By this application, the applicant is seeking regular bail in C. R. No. 868 of 2024 registered with Sangola Police Station, District Solapur for the offences punishable under Sections 65(1), 333, 74, 351(2) and 352 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Sections 4, 8 and 12 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and Sections 3(1)(w)(i), 3(1)(w)(ii), 3(1)(r)(s), 3(2)(va) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.1989.

2.

It is the prosecution's case that the applicant has outraged the modesty of minor daughter of the first informant. 1/4

3.

It is the contention of learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant is behind bar around 10 months. Investigation is completed. Chargesheet has been filed. Applicant is a Kart of his family. Hence, requested to allow the application.

4.

It is the contention learned APP along with respondent no.2 that the applicant has outraged the modesty of victim who was minor. If he released on bail he may abscond or threaten the victim and prosecution witnesses. Hence, requested to reject the application.

5.

I have heard all the learned counsel, perused FIR and documents produced on record.

6.

The applicant is behind bar around 10 months. Investigation is completed. Chargesheet has been filed. Applicant has no antecedents. It may take time to conclude the trial. Considering the above facts, further detention of the applicant is not required.

7.

In view of the above, I pass the following order :

ORDER

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(i) The application is allowed.

(ii) The applicant be enlarged on bail in C.R.No. 868 of 2024 registered with Sangola Police Station, Dist: Solapur, on executing P. R. Bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- with one or two sureties in the like amount.

(iii) The applicant shall attend the trial court proceeding regularly.

(iv) The applicant shall inform his latest place of residence and mobile number immediately after being released and/or change of residence or mobile details, if any, from time to time to the Investigating Officer.

(v) The applicant shall not tamper with the evidence or attempt to influence or contact the complainant, witnesses or any person concerned with the case.

8.

The application is allowed in the aforesaid terms and is accordingly disposed of.

9.

It is made clear that the above observations are made only for the purpose of granting bail and the Trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits in accordance with law and 3/4

uninfluenced by the observations made in this order. 10.

All concerned to act on the authenticated copy of this order.

[SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.] 4/4