Manoj Ashruba Godbole v. The State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIRCUIT BENCH AT KOLHAPUR CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION BAIL APPLICATION NO.3481 OF 2025 Manoj Ashruba Godbole .....Applicant Vs.

The State of Maharashtra .....Respondent Mr. Priyal Sarda (Through VC), for the Applicant. Dr. Ashvini A. Takalkar, APP, for the Respondent-State. Mr. Jeevan Nirgude, IO, API, EOW, Solapur City is present. CORAM : MRS. VRUSHALI V. JOSHI, J.

DATED : 23rd FEBRUARY 2026 P.C.:- 1.

The Applicant is arrested in Crime Registration No.326 of 2023 registered with Vijapur Naka Police Station, District Solapur for the offences punishable under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120B, 170, 171, 419, 472 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code. It is the case of the prosecution that first informant, who is resident of USA contacted this Applicant and this Applicant has introduced himself as Nayab Tahsildar. Since 2018 till 2022, it is alleged that the Applicant hatching the conspiracy with other co accused, induced the first informant on the basis of bogus sanctioned letter, 7/12 extract, mutation entry, village map and government 1/3

orders and thereby cheated the first informant to the tune of Rs.3,52,80,100/-.

3.

The counsel for Applicant has stated that the offence under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code is registered against this Applicant, which is triable by the Judicial Magistrate First Class and the punishment is seven years and he is in jail since last two years. The charge is framed. The earlier bail application was withdrawn with liberty to file a fresh application after six months if the trial is not concluded. The trial is not yet initiated, but only charge is framed. The Applicant is in jail since last two and half years. Out of 18 accused persons, 15 accused are already released on bail. Hence, prayed to release the Applicant on bail.

4.

The learned APP opposed the application stating that the Applicant has forged the government document and impersonated himself as Nayab Tahsildar and cheated the person who is staying in USA. Though the offence under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code is registered, the allegations about forgery are there which is punishable for life imprisonment. If during the trial the Court felt it necessary, it can be transferred to Sessions Court. The learned APP 2/3

submits that two more cases are registered under Section 420 of the Indian penal Code as Government stamp is recovered from him. Hence, prayed to reject the application.

5.

Heard learned counsel appearing for both the parties. 6.

The Applicant is the main accused in his case. The allegations about impersonation and the forgery are against this Applicant. He has forged the government documents and cheated the first informant. The Applicant has stated that the first informant is also not a person to believe as he asked this Applicant to give the government land in a low price, however, that cannot be a ground to release the Applicant on bail. Though the Applicant has made the allegations against the first informant, he has forged the document and impersonated himself as Nayab Tahsildar. The charge is framed, however, it is not further proceeded. The direction is given to the trial Court to expedite the trial.

7.

The Application stands rejected accordingly.

(MRS. VRUSHALI V. JOSHI, J.) Digitally signed by RAJU DATTATRAYA GAIKWAD Date:

2026.02.25 23:10:29 +0530 RAJU DATTATRAYA GAIKWAD 3/3