Pratik Shantaram Gangurde v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR

32-BA-928-2025.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION BAIL APPLICATION NO. 928 OF 2025 Pratik Shantaram Gangurde ...Applicant

Versus

1. The State of Maharashtra

2. XYZ

...Respondents

....

Mr. Mihir Kasliwal a/w Varun Jangada i/by Mr. Rahul Kasliwal, Advocate for the Applicant.

Mr. C. D. Mali, A.P.P. for the Respondent No.1 - State. Mr. Prabhakar A. Shinde, Advocate for the Respondent No.2. ....

CORAM

:

N. R. BORKAR, J.

DATE :

07th MARCH, 2025.

P.C.

:

1.

This is an application for regular bail.

2.

The applicant came to be arrested in Crime No.81 of 2024 registered at Gangapur Police Station, District : Nashik, for the offences punishable under Sections 363, 366, 376(2) (j), 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code (for short 'IPC') and Sections 4, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (for short 'POCSO').

3.

According to the prosecution, the applicant had made the victim to elope with him, though she was minor and committed sexual intercourse with her on the pretext that he would be marrying her.

Zeenat Pathan

32-BA-928-2025.doc 4.

I have heard the learned counsel for the applicant, learned A.P.P. for the Respondent No.1-State and the learned counsel for the Respondent No.2.

5.

I have perused the statement of the victim recorded under Section 164 of the IPC. It appears that the applicant and victim were in love relationship. They stayed together for about four months. Even otherwise, the learned counsel for the victim submits that the victim has no objection if the present applicant is released on bail. In that view of the matter, I am inclined to release the applicant on bail.

ORDER

(i) Criminal Bail Application is allowed;

(ii) The applicant is directed to be released on bail in connection with Crime No.81 of 2024 registered at Gangapur Police Station, District : Nashik, for the offences punishable under Sections 363, 366, 376(2)(j), 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code (for short 'IPC') and Sections 4, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (for short 'POCSO') on executing P.R. Bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- with one or two sureties in the like amount;

(iii) Application stands disposed of accordingly.

(N. R. BORKAR, J.) Zeenat Pathan