Ramchandra Pandurang Bhalerao v. The State Of Maharashtra

VRJ

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIRCUIT BENCH AT KOLHAPUR CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION BAIL APPLICATION NO.59 OF 2026 Ramchandra Pandurang Bhalerao ... Applicant V/s.

The State of Maharashtra ... Respondent VAIBHAV RAMESH JADHAV VAIBHAV RAMESH JADHAV Date: 2026.02.05 18:53:26 +0530 Mr. Jaydeep D. Mane for the applicant.

Mr. Nitin B. Patil, APP for the State.

V. P. Gore, Head Constable, Mohol Police Station, Solapur Rural, District Solapur is present.

CORAM : MRS. VRUSHALI V. JOSHI, J.

DATED : FEBRUARY 4, 2026 P.C.:

1.

By the instant bail application filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the applicant seeks regular bail in connection with Crime Register No. 690 of 2025, registered with Mohol Police Station, Solapur Rural, District Solapur, for the offences punishable under Sections 143(2), 144(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. 2.

The prosecution case, in brief, is that on receiving secret information, a raid was conducted at Aryan Lodge, during which it was found that prostitution was being carried on, and the applicant along with the other co-accused was arrested.

3.

Learned counsel for the applicant submitted that while the applicant continues to remain in jail, the other co-accused have already been released on bail. It is further submitted that the applicant was working merely as a waiter in the said lodge and even the manager has been granted bail. Therefore, the ground of parity is available to the present applicant, and on that basis, a prayer is made for his release on bail.

4.

Learned APP vehemently opposed the application, submitting that from the statement of the victim it appears that the applicant played an active role in introducing the victim to customers and in sending her photographs to them. It is further submitted that the applicant was involved in illegal flesh trade and, therefore, prayed that the application be rejected. 5.

I have heard the learned counsel appearing for the applicant and the learned APP.

6.

As this Court has already released the manager and other coaccused, namely Rizwana Shaikh, Pankaj Pawar and Nitin Dhone, and considering the role attributed to the present applicant, who is stated to be a waiter in the said lodge, the ground of parity is clearly available to him.

7.

Hence, following order is passed:

i) The bail application is allowed;

ii) The applicant - Ramchandra Pandurang Bhalerao is directed to be released on regular bail in connection with Crime Register No. 690 of 2025, registered with Mohol Police

Station, Solapur Rural, District Solapur, for the offences punishable under Sections 143(2), 144(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs.20,000/- with one or more solvent sureties in the like amount, to the satisfaction of the Trial Court, subject to the following conditions:

a) The applicant shall attend the Court dates regularly. b) The applicant shall not tamper with the evidence or attempt to influence or contact the complainant, witnesses or any person concerned with the case.

8.

The bail application is allowed and disposed of. (MRS. VRUSHALI V. JOSHI, J.)