Deepak S/O Anna Patil v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR Thr Pso Of Ps Sitabuldi, Tah And Dist. Nagpur
2026:BHC-NAG:6545
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
NAGPUR BENCH, NAGPUR.
CRIMINAL APPLICATION [ABA] NO. 972 OF 2025 Vijaysingh Ramsingh Chavhan -- VERSUS -- State of Maharashtra and Another WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION [ABA] NO. 974 OF 2025 Shri Deepak S/o. Anna Patil -- VERSUS -- State of Maharashtra and Another WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION [ABA] NO. 975 OF 2025 Smt. Hemangini Balasaheb Patil -- VERSUS -- State of Maharashtra and Another WITH CRIMINAL APPLICATION [ABA] NO. 976 OF 2025 Laxman Pralhad Khade -- VERSUS -- State of Maharashtra and Another __________________________________________________________________________ Office Notes, Office Memoranda of Coram, appearances, Court's orders of directions Court's or Judge's orders.
and Registrar's Orders.
Mr. A.C. Dharmadhikari, Advocate for applicant in Cr.ABA No.972/2025.
Mr. M.G. Bhangade, Senior Advocate a/w. A.R. Deshpande, Advocate for applicant in Cr.ABA Nos.974/2025 and 975/2025.
Mr. Anil Mardikar, Senior Advocate a/w. Ms. Vedika N. Thakare, Advocate for applicant in Cr.ABA No.976/2025. Ms. S.Z. Haider, A.P.P. for the Non-applicant/State in Cr.ABA Nos.972/2025 and 974/2025.
Mr. A.G. Mate, A.P.P. for the Non-applicant/State in Cr.ABA Nos.975/2025 and 976/2025.
CORAM :
M.M. NERLIKAR, J.
DATE :
APRIL 28, 2026.
COMMON ORDER Heard the learned senior counsel for the respective parties, so also, learned counsel for other parties and the learned A.P.P for the respective parties. I have perused the ad-interim order dated 23/12/2025.
2.
The present applications are filed seeking anticipatory bail in Crime No.982/2025 for the offences punishable under Sections 409, 109, 120-B, 166, 167 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, (IPC), registered with Police Station Sitabuldi, District Nagpur.
3.
The informant was holding a charge of RTO (Rural & Urban), Nagpur. He alleges that Vijay Chauhan along with others conspired against him to get additional charge and the post which the informant was holding. After failure of various attempts to secure the charge, Vijay conspired with others including present applicants and filed a false Prevention of Sexual Harassment complaint against the informant which was also published in newspapers and social media. Further, it is alleged that all these allegations were made against the informant because he acted as a whistle-blower by raising concern over various irregularities and transfer racket operating within RTO Nagpur. Based on the aforesaid allegations, F.I.R. came to be lodged.
4.
It appears from the record that the informant had filed an application to assist the prosecution and his appearance was noted by this Court in the order dated 23/12/2025, however, today, none appears for the informant.
5.
The learned senior counsels for the applicants submit that while granting ad-interim relief, this Court, has given detailed reasons. They submit that Section 409 is not made out and is the only non-bailable offence. Rest of the offences are bailable. Under such circumstances, the applicants may be granted anticipatory bail and they are ready to fully co-operate in the investigation.
6.
On the other hand, the learned A.P.P.
submits that after grant of ad-interim relief, the applicants had co-operated in the investigation, and the investigation is at the fag end, and therefore, appropriate orders be passed.
7.
I have considered the rival submissions. I have gone through the order dated 23/12/2025 passed in Criminal Application [ABA] Nos.972/2025, 974/2025, 975/2025 and 976/2025. It appears from the ad-interim order that, a detailed reasoning has been given by this Court, and thereafter only, adinterim relief was granted. Upon perusal of the case papers, it appears that there are no allegations of criminal breach of trust, and therefore, the ingredients of Section 409 IPC are not made out.
Considering that rest of the offences are bailable, I find that the reasons assigned by this Court while granting ad-interim relief needs to be confirmed. Under such circumstances and considering the allegations, I am inclined to allow the application. Hence, the following order :-
O R D E R
(i) The ad-interim order dated 23/12/2025 is confirmed on the same terms and conditions; (ii) The applicant to appear before the concerned Police Station as and when directed by the Investigation Officer and shall co-operate in the investigation;
(ii) The application is accordingly disposed of.
[ M.M. NERLIKAR, J ] Piyush Mahajan