Narayan Bansi Chandrahas v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 3928 OF 2025 Narayan Bansi Chandrahas ... Applicant
Versus
The State of Maharashtra and Anr.
... Respondents ____________________________________________________________ by NILAM SANTOSH KAMBLE Date:
2026.03.12 10:36:35 +0530 NILAM SANTOSH KAMBLE Ms.Sahana Manjesh, for the Applicant.
Mr.M.G. Patil, APP for Respondent-State.
Ms.Riddhi Patil, for Respondent No.2.
Mr.Dashrath Y. Nandiwale, Yavat Police Station. ____________________________________________________________ CORAM : SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.
DATE : 10th MARCH 2026 P.C. :
.
By this Application, the Applicant is seeking regular bail in Crime No.1631 of 2023 registered with Yawat Police Station, Pune, for the offences punishable under Sections 363, 366A and 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 ('IPC' for short) and Sections 4, 6 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 ('POCSO' for short).
2.
It is prosecution's case that the Applicant sexually assaulted minor daughter of the First Informant.
3.
It is contention of learned counsel for the Applicant that there is delay in lodging the complaint. At the time of the incident, victim was around 15 years old. The Applicant had love affair with the victim. The Applicant has no antecedents. At the time of the incident, the Applicant was around 19 years old. It may take time to conclude the trial, and requested to allow the Application.
4.
It is contention of learned APP that, at the time of the incident, victim was 14 years and 11 months old. The Applicant took the victim to her relative's house and sexually assaulted her. He was aware about age of the victim. The consent of the victim is immaterial. Due to threat, FIR was not lodged in time. If the Applicant released on bail, he may abscond or threaten Victim, First Informant and prosecution witnesses, and requested to reject the Application.
5.
I have heard both learned counsel. Perused charge-sheet and documents produced on record.
6.
There is delay in lodging complaint. At the time of the incident, victim was around 15 years old. The Applicant has no antecedents. The Applicant is behind bars for more than two years. At the time of the incident, Applicant was 19 years old. There is no progress in trial. It may take time to conclude the trial.
7.
Considering these facts, I pass following order.
ORDER
(i) The Applicant be released on bail in Crime No.1631 of 2023 registered with Yawat Police Station, Pune, on furnishing PR bond of Rs.15,000/- with one or two solvent sureties in the like amount.
(ii) The Applicant shall not tamper with the evidence and/or influence the prosecution witnesses.
(iii) The Trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits and in accordance with law, uninfluenced by the observations made in this order.
(iv) The Applicant shall attend the concerned Police Station as and when required.
(v) Application is allowed in the aforesaid terms. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)