Vijay Vilas Randive v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION BAIL APPLICATION NO. 3897 OF 2025 Vijay Vilas Randive ...Applicant versus The State Of Maharashtra and anr.

....Respondents _________________________________________________________________ Mr. Vilas B. Tapkir, Advocate for Applicant.

Ms. Ranjana D. Humane, APP for Respondent No.1-State. Ms. Padmavati Vaishya i/b. Ms. Seema Singh, Advocate for Respondent No.2.

_________________________________________________________________

CORAM

: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE : 11th FEBRUARY, 2026.

P.C. :

1.

By this application, the applicant is seeking regular bail in Crime No. 145 of 2025 registered with Chinchwad Police Station, District Pune, for the offences punishable under Sections 64(1), 336, 336(3) and 3(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 4, 6, 8 and 12 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. 2.

It is prosecution's case that on 18th May 2025, the applicant sexually assaulted the first informant by taking her in lodge. It is alleged that there was an acquaintance between the applicant and the first informant, who was 15 years old, at the time of the incident. Digitally signed by SHUBHADA SHANKAR KADAM Date:

2026.02.13 11:06:29 +0530 SHUBHADA SHANKAR KADAM 4.

It is contention of learned counsel for the applicant that there was friendship between the first informant and applicant for two years

prior to the incident. The applicant is a 2nd year B.Sc. sttudent. He is behind bars for more than six months. If he remains behind bars, his academic career will be ruined. It may take time to conclude the trial and requested to allow the application.

5.

It is contention of learned APP along with learned counsel for respondent No.2 that the applicant has taken undue advantage of friendship between him and the first informant. The applicant was aware about the age of the first informant. He took her to lodge and sexually assaulted her. Immediately a complaint was lodged against the applicant. If the applicant is released on bail, he may threaten the first informant and prosecution witnesses and requested to reject the application. 6.

I have heard all learned counsel, perused charge sheet and the documents produced on record. It appears from record that there was friendship between the applicant and the first informant. The applicant is behind bars for more than six months. He is 2nd year B.Sc. Student. It may take time to conclude the trial. If the applicant remains behind bars, his academic career will be ruined. Charge-sheet is filed, but there is no progress in the trial. Considering these facts , I pass following order :

ORDER

(i) The applicant be enlarged on bail in Crime No. 145 of 2025 registered with Chinchwad Police Station, District Pune, on

executing P.R.Bond in the sum of Rs.30,000/- with 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.

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

6.

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.

7.

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