Vaibhav Babaji Patekar v. The State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 1284 OF 2026 Vaibhav Babaji Patekar ....Applicant

VERSUS

The State Of Maharashtra ....Respondent ____________________________________________________________ by NILAM SANTOSH KAMBLE Date:

2026.04.24 10:07:14 +0530 Mr.Mahesh Pawar, for the Applicant.

Mrr.S.R. Agarkar, APP for Respondent-State.

Mr.Gaikwad, PC-747, Upnagar Police Station.

NILAM SANTOSH KAMBLE ____________________________________________________________

CORAM

: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE : 22nd APRIL 2026 P.C. :

.

By this Application, the Applicant is seeking regular bail in Crime No.238 of 2025 registered with Upnagar Police Station, Nashik, for the offences punishable under Sections 310(4), 310(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 ('BNS' for short), Sections 4 and 5 of the Arms Act, and Section 142 read with Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act. 2.

It is prosecution's case that on 7th June 2025 at around 2.30 a.m., the Applicant and co-accused were apprehended by the Police team when they were preparing to commit dacoity.

3.

It is contention of learned counsel for the Applicant that the Applicant is behind bars for more than ten months. The Applicant has no

antecedents. There is no progress in trial. It may take time to conclude the trial, and requested to allow the Application. 4.

It is contention of learned APP that the Applicant has four antecedents. If the Applicant released on bail, he may abscond or threaten prosecution witnesses, and requested to reject the Application. 5.

I have heard both learned counsel. Perused charge-sheet and documents produced on record.

6.

The Applicant is behind bars for more than ten months. The investigation is completed and charge-sheet has been filed. It may take time to conclude the trial, and I pass following order.

ORDER

(i) The Applicant be released on bail in Crime No.238 of 2025 registered with Upnagar Police Station, Nashik, on furnishing PR bond of Rs.25,000/- with one or two solvent sureties in the like amount.

(ii) The Applicant shall not enter in District-Nashik till framing of the charge, except attending Court dates. (iii) The Applicant shall not tamper with the evidence and/or influence the prosecution witnesses.

(iv) The Trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits and in accordance with law, uninfluenced by the observations made in this order.

(v) The Applicant shall attend the concerned Police Station as and when required.

(vi) Application is allowed in the aforesaid terms. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)