John @ Chhota Papa Pattrick Manvel v. The State Of Maharashtra

1 947-BA 957-26.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO.957 OF 2026 John @ Chhota Papa Pattrick Manvel ... Applicant Vs.

The State of Maharashtra ... Respondent ----- Mr. Akshay Bankapur for the Applicant.

Mr. S. V. Walve, APP for the Respondent-State. ----- CORAM :

N.R. BORKAR, J.

DATE :

26TH MARCH 2026 P.C. :

1.

Mentioned out of turn.

2.

This is an Application for regular bail.

3.

The Applicant came to be arrested in Crime No. 104 of 2022 registered at Igatpuri Police Station for the offences punishable under Sections 302 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code. 4.

It is the case of the prosecution that on the date of incident, which took place on 19th August 2022, on some trivial issue the applicant assaulted the deceased by knife and committed her murder. 5.

I have heard Learned Counsel for the Applicant and Learned APP for the Respondent-State.

6.

Learned Counsel for the Applicant submits that the Applicant is in Mugdha

2 947-BA 957-26.doc jail for three and half years and the trial is at the stage of framing of charge. It is submitted that case is based on circumstantial evidence. 7.

On the other hand, Learned APP for the Respondent-State submits that the Applicant is involved in serious crime of murder. It is further submitted that there is enough incriminating material against the present Applicant. It is submitted that considering the nature of crime, the Applicant may not be released on bail.

8.

Prima-facie the incident does not appear to be premeditated. The Applicant is in jail for three and half years. Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case, I am inclined to release the Applicant on bail. Hence, the following order:

ORDER

i.

The Criminal Bail Application is allowed.

ii.

The Applicant be released on bail in Crime No. 104 of 2022 registered at Igatpuri Police Station for the offences punishable under Sections 302 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code on furnishing P.R Bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand) with one or two sureties in the like amount.

iii.

Till conclusion of the trial, the Applicant shall attend the concerned police station once in a month ,i.e., on first Saturday between 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

9.

The Criminal Bail Application stands disposed of in the aforesaid terms.

(N.R. BORKAR, J.) Mugdha