Mangesh Gunilal Bopache v. The State Of Maharashtra Thr Ps Seloo, Tah Seloo Dist Wardha

2026:BHC-NAG:836-DB 1 8-APPA-33-2026.odt

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY,

NAGPUR BENCH, NAGPUR.

CRIMINAL APPLICATION (APPA) NO. 33 OF 2026 IN CRIMINAL APPEAL ST. NO.269 OF 2026 MANGESH GUNILAL BOPACHE Vrs.

STATE OF MAHARASHTRA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office Notes, Office Memoranda of Court's or Judge's Order Coram, appearances, Court's Orders or directions and Registrar's order --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shri K. G. Rathi, Advocate for applicant/appellant. Shri A. J. Gohokar, A. P. P. for respondent-sole. CORAM: ANIL L. PANSARE AND NIVEDITA P. MEHTA, JJ.

DATE : 19/01/2026 1.

Heard.

2.

Applicant / appellant is seeking to condone the delay of 726 days caused in filing appeal against the Judgment and order passed by the Sessions Court, Wardha convicting the appellant for the offence punishable under Sections 452, 376(3) of the Indian Penal Code, Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and Sections 3(1)W, (i), 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

3.

Counsel for the applicant submits that delay has occurred because the applicant is in jail and has restrictions to movement. He could not collect the documents, nor could he give instructions. That apart, he is poor and therefore, could not engage counsel.

2 8-APPA-33-2026.odt 4.

Later on, the matter was taken up by the High Court Legal Services Sub-Committee, Nagpur and counsel appointed. Thereafter, the appeal is prepared and filed.

5.

Learned APP opposed the application saying that the delay is not properly justified.

6.

We, however, find that applicant / appellant had multiple impediments and has assigned sufficient cause to condone the delay.

7.

In view of the above and for the reasons set out in application, the application is allowed. Delay is condoned. Appeal be registered and processed as per the rules.

8.

Application is disposed of.

CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO. 40 OF 2026 9.

Issue notice to the respondents, returnable in four weeks.

10.

Shri A. J. Gohokar, learned APP waives notice for respondent.

CRIMINAL APPEAL ST. NO.269 OF 2026 11.

Heard.

12.

Admit.

13.

Call Record and Proceedings.

14.

Shri A. J. Gohokar, learned APP waives notice for respondent.

[JUDGE] [JUDGE] Choulwar Signed by: V.M. Choulwar (VMC) Designation: PS To Honourable Judge Date: 20/01/2026 10:55:47