Prahlad Dinkar Sonule v. The State Of Maharashtra
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 4685 OF 2025 Prahlad Dinkar Sonule ...Applicant
Versus
The State of Maharashtra and anr.
...Respondents
_________________________________________________________________ Ms. Sana Shaikh along with Ms. Maya Updeshe, Mr. Shubham Tayade, Ms. Nisha Lakariya and Mr. Pratik Thadani, Advocate for Applicant. Mr. S. M. Mangaonkar, APP for Respondent No.1-State. Ms. Disha Rathod, Advocate for Respondent No.2. _________________________________________________________________
CORAM
: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.
DATE : 5th MAY, 2026.
P.C. :
1.
By this application, the applicant is seeking regular bail in Crime No. 86 of 2025 registered with Kalepadal Police Station, District Pune, for the offences punishable under Sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 8 and 12 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
2.
It is prosecution's case that on 22nd March 2025 around 7.50 pm, the applicant outraged the modesty of the minor daughter of the first informant.
Digitally signed by SHUBHADA SHANKAR KADAM Date:
2026.05.06 15:00:00 +0530 SHUBHADA SHANKAR KADAM 3.
It is contention of learned counsel for the applicant that the maximum sentence provided for the offences committed by the applicant is
up to five years. The applicant is behind bars for more than one year, he has no antecedents. Hence, requested to allow the application. 4.
It is contention of learned APP along with learned counsel for respondent No.2 that the applicant outraged the modesty of the minor victim who was 8 years and 6 months old. If the applicant is released on bail, he may abscond or threaten the prosecution witnesses, hence, requested to allow the application.
5.
I have heard all learned counsel, perused the charge-sheet and documents produced on record. The applicant is behind bars for more than one year. The maximum sentence provided for the present crime is up to five years. The applicant has no antecedents. It may take time to conclude the trial. Considering these facts, I pass following order :
ORDER
(i) The applicant be enlarged on bail in Crime No. 86 of 2025 registered with Kalepadal 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 not enter the jurisdiction of Kalepadal police station till the conclusion of the trial.
(iii) The applicant attend the concerned police station as and when required.
(iv) 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.)