Nivrutti Bayaji Shendage v. The State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 2975 OF 2025 Nivrutti Bayaji Shendage ... Applicant

Versus

The State of Maharashtra ... Respondent _________________________________________________________________ Ms. Ekta Patil i/b. Mr. Prashant Hagare, Advocate for the Applicant. Mr. P. P. Jadhav, APP for the Respondent-State. _________________________________________________________________ by SONALI SATISH KILAJE Date:

2026.01.21 18:33:57 +0700 SONALI SATISH KILAJE

CORAM

: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE : 19th JANUARY, 2026.

P.C. :

1.

By this application, the Applicant is seeking regular bail in C.R.No. 104 of 2024 registered with Baramati City Police Station, Tal : Baramati, Dist : Pune, for the offence punishable under Sections 302, 452 and 354(A)(2) of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short "IPC"). 2.

It is prosecution's case that on 01.02.2024 at around 1:30 pm, the applicant demanded sexual favour from the first informant, but she refused. It is alleged that the applicant got angry. Therafter the applicant left her house and came with petrol bottel in his hand. He poured petrol on the back side of the first informant and set her on fire. Initially, offence under Section 307 of Indian Penal Code was registered against the applicant. While undergoing treatment, first informant died.

3.

It is contention of learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant is 74 years old. He is senior citizen. He is behind bars for around two years. There is no progress in the trial. He has no antecedents and requested to allow the application.

4.

It is contention of learned APP that the applicant demanded sexual favour from the first informant. When she refused, he poured petrol on her and set her on fire. There is no progress in the trial. If the applicant is released on bail, he may threaten prosecution witnesses and requested to reject the application.

5.

I have heard both the learned counsel. Perused chargesheet and documents on record. The applicant is 74 years old. He is senior citizen. He is behind bars for around two years. Charges have been framed. There is no progress in the trial. It may take time to conclude the trial. Considering the old age of the applicant, I pass following order.

ORDER

i.

The applicant be enlarged on bail in C.R.No. 104 of 2024 registered with Baramati City Police Station, Tal : Baramati, Dist : Pune, on executing P.R.Bond of Rs.30,000/- on furnishing one or two sureties in the like amount.

ii.

The applicant shall attend the concerned police station as and when required.

iii.

The applicant shall not tamper with the evidence or attempt to influence or contact the complainant, witnesses or any person concerned with the case. 6.

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

7.

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 uninfluenced by the observations made in this order.

8.

All concerned to act on the authenticated copy of this order. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)