Himanshu Satyayendra Narayan Singh v. State Of Maharashtra And ANR.

JOHNSON GONSALVES Date: 2025.07.03 19:56:41 +0530 SMITA JOHNSON GONSALVES

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION Anticipatory Bail Application No.1551 of 2025 Himanshu Satyayendra Narayan Singh ... Applicant versus The State of Maharashtra and Anr ... Respondents ---- Mr Vishal M Deshmukh, for the applicant.

Mr Swapnil Walve, APP, for the respondent/ State. Respondent No.2-present-in-person.

---- Coram: R.N. Laddha, J.

Date: 2 July 2025.

P.C.:

The learned Counsel for the applicant submits that the informant is employed as a Deputy Manager with the State Bank of India (SBI) and was at all times fully cognisant of the applicant's existing marital status. He submits that the relationship between the applicant and the informant was voluntary and consensual in nature, devoid of any coercion or inducement. Learned Counsel further points out that the incident pertaining to the alleged misappropriation or disappearance of gold ornaments is stated to have occurred on 4 January 2025; however, the FIR was registered only on 4 May 2025, after an inordinate and unexplained delay of four

months. The learned Counsel argues that such a delay in approaching the law enforcement authorities casts serious doubt on the veracity of the allegations. The learned Counsel further submits that the applicant is ready and willing to cooperate with the investigation. Additionally, the applicant is ready and willing to surrender his mobile phone, laptop, and any other electronic devices or digital storage media, if so demanded by the investigating agency. Further the applicant is ready to undergo medical examination as may be deemed necessary for the purpose of the investigation. 2.

Respondent No.2 is present-in-person and seeks legal aid assistance. Ms Komal Sinha, present in the Court, is appointed as Advocate to espouse the cause of respondent No.2. Legal fees to be paid by the High Court Legal Service Committee. The applicant is directed to provide a copy of the anticipatory bail application, and other relevant papers, including the impugned order, to the Advocate so appointed. The learned APP also seeks an accommodation to take further instructions. 3.

By consent, stand over to 4 August 2025. In the meantime, the applicant shall attend the concerned police station on 6th, 7th and 8th July 2025 between 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m., surrender his mobile phone, laptop, and any other

electronic device, as required by he Investigating Officer and to undergo a medical examination. There shall not be any coercive action against the applicant in the present crime until the next date.

(R.N. Laddha, J.)