Lata Gulab Chavan v. The State Of Maharashtra
2026:BHC-AUG:21340 1 723 - 2026
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
BENCH AT AURANGABAD BAIL APPLICATION NO. 723 OF 2026 Lata Gulab Chavan Age : 26 years, Occu. : Agril., R/o Rashin, Tal. Karjat, Dist. Ahmednagar ...
Applicant
VERSUS
The State of Maharashtra, Through Police Inspector, Police Station, Shirdi, Tal. Rahata, Dist. Ahilyanagar ...
Respondent ...
Advocate for Applicant : Mr. Yuvraj S. Choudhari A.P.P. for Respondent/State : Mr. G.O. Wattamwar
CORAM
: SHAILESH P. BRAHME, J.
DATE : 06.05.2026 PER COURT :
Heard both sides.
2.
The applicant is seeking enlargement on bail in connection with Crime No.108 of 2026, registered with Shirdi Police Station, Dist. Ahilyanagar for the offences punishable under Section 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, under section 12, 17 of POCSO Act, section 143(3), 143(4) of the BNS Act, 2023.
3.
The applicant is arrested on 12.02.2026.
4.
It is alleged that the applicant is found at the hotel Pawandham, Shirdi when the raid was conducted by Police squad on receiving secret information regarding prostitution and immoral human traffic. Applicant and co-accused 1/3
2 723 - 2026 proprietor were apprehended. A minor victim and a major victim were also found. 5.
Learned counsel for the applicant submits that his client is a maid working in the hotel. She is falsely implicated in the offence. No incriminating material is found against the applicant.
6.
Learned APP repels the submissions on the count of that statements of the raiding team which would show involvement of the applicant. She accepted money from the customers. He further submits that objectionable articles like money and the condom are recovered at the instance of the applicant. 7.
Co-accused Govind Garur is proprietor of the hotel in question. Applicant was only found at the relevant time. There is no incriminating material that she is managing the prostitution or instrumental in dragging the victims to the prostitution. Statement of the minor victim recorded under section 183 also does not support the prosecution case.
8.
It transpires from the investigation that cash of Rs.1000/-, mobile handset is recovered from her. That in itself would not be sufficient to show the involvement of the applicant.
9.
Applicant being a woman, is entitled for protection under section 480 of the BNSS.
10.
I, therefore, pass following order :-
ORDER
I] The Bail Application is allowed.
2/3
3 723 - 2026 II] The applicant shall be released on bail in connection with Crime No. 108 of 2026, registered with Shirdi Police Station, Dist. Ahilyanagar for the offences punishable under Section 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, under section 12, 17 of POCSO Act, , section 143(3), 143(4) of the BNS Act, 2023 on following conditions:
(a)The applicant shall furnish P.R. bond of Rs.25,000/- (Rs. Twenty Thousand only) with one solvent surety of like amount. (b)The applicant shall not tamper with prosecution evidence or contact with the prosecution witnesses.
(c)The applicant shall furnish his mobile/cell number and address to the investigating officer.
(d) The applicant shall co-operate for expeditious disposal of the trial.
(e) The applicant shall surrender Adhaar / PAN Cards, if any, to the Investigating Officer.
( SHAILESH P. BRAHME, J.) arp/- 3/3