Murlidhar Vaikunthnath Shukla v. State Of Maharashtra

Prasad Rajput (P.A.) 31_BA_2113_2025.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION BAIL APPLICATION NO.2113 OF 2025 WITH INTERIM APPLICATION NO.1811 OF 2025 Murlidhar Vaikunthnath Shukla ...Applicant

Versus

State of Maharashtra

...Respondent

Ms. Komal Sinha, for the Applicant.

Ms. Manisha R. Tidke, APP for the Respondent - State. Ms. Kanchan Pawar, appointed Advocate for Respondent No.2. API - Ramkrishna Bodke, Virar Police Station, present.

CORAM

DR. NEELA GOKHALE, J.

DATED:

01ST DECEMBER 2025 PC:- 1.

After hearing the matter for some time, when I was not inclined to grant relief, Ms. Sinha, learned counsel for the Applicant, sought permission to withdraw the present Bail Application. Permission is granted.

2.

Ms. Sinha, learned counsel for the Applicant, brings to my notice that the Applicant was arrested on 11th February, 2020, and till date, even the charges have not been framed. This matter arises under the POCSO Act, wherein it is 1st December 2025

Prasad Rajput (P.A.) 31_BA_2113_2025.doc imperative to record the statement of the victim at the earliest, and in any case, within a period of one year from the date of framing of charges. The victim was 13 years old at the time of the incident and is now 19 years old. She is under the care and custody of an NGO, which has looked after and taken care of her till date. It is imperative that the trial be concluded at an expeditious pace.

3.

In these circumstances, the Trial Court is directed to frame charges, record the statements of witnesses within a period of one month, and conclude the trial within a period of one year from the date on which a copy of this order is placed before it.

4.

Bail Application is disposed of as withdrawn. 5.

In view of disposal of Bail Application, nothing survives for further consideration in the Interim Application. Accordingly, the Interim Application also stands disposed of. (DR. NEELA GOKHALE, J) 1st December 2025