Harshwardhan Mohan Reddy v. The State Of Maharashtra And ANR

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION BAIL APPLICATION 2170 OF 2025 Harshwardhan Mohan Reddy ...Applicant Vs.

The State of Maharashtra And Anr.

...Respondents

VAISHALI ANIL TIKAM by VAISHALI ANIL TIKAM Date:

2026.02.26 15:59:42 +0530 _________________________________________________________________ Ms. Pooja Sursure i/by Mr. Saransh Sonar, Advocate for Applicant. Mrs. M.G. Patil, APP for Respondent-State.

Mr. Ashwet Bhoir, Advocate for Respondent No.2 API Mali, Mundhawa Police Station present.

_________________________________________________________________

CORAM

: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE : 24th FEBRUARY, 2026.

P.C. :

1.

Heard learned counsel for the Applicant and learned APP for the State.

2.

By this Application, the Applicant is seeking regular bail in Crime No. 279 of 2024 registered with Mundhwa Police Station, Dist. Pune for the offences punishable under Sections 354 and 354(D) of the Indian Pena Code, 1860 and Sections 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act). 3.

It is prosecution's case that on 28/06/2024, Applicant outraged modesty of the minor daughters of the first informant. 4.

It is contention of learned counsel for the Applicant that Applicant is behind bars more than 20 months. There is no progress in the

trial. Investigation is completed and requested to allow the Application. 5.

It is contention of learned APP and learned counsel for respondent Nos. that Applicant has 15 antecedents. He outraged modesty of minor girls aged 13 years and 14 years. If he is released on bail, he may threaten victims and prosecution witnesses and requested to reject the Application.

6.

I have heard all learned counsel. Perused charge-sheet and documents produced on record.

7.

The Applicant is behind bars more than 20 months. The maximum sentence imposed for the offences committed by the Applicant is five years. Investigation is completed. Chargesheet has been filed. There is no progress in the trial.

8.

Considering these facts, I pass following order.

ORDER

(i) The Applicant- Harshwardhan Mohan Reddy be released on bail in Crime No. 279 of 2024 registered with Mundhwa Police Station, Dist. Pune, on furnishing PR bond of Rs.25,000/- with one or two solvent sureties in the like amount.

(ii) Applicant shall not enter in Pune District till recording evidence of first informant and victim, except attending the Court's dates (iii) The Applicant shall not tamper with the evidence and/or

influence the prosecution witnesses.

(iv) The Trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits and in accordance with law, uninfluenced by the observations made in this order. (v) The Applicant shall attend the concerned Police Station as and when required.

(vi) Application is allowed in the aforesaid terms. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)