Mangesh Ashroba Chavan v. The State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 1488 OF 2026 Mangesh Ashroba Chavan ... Applicant

VERSUS

The State Of Maharashtra ... Respondent _________________________________________________________________ Mr. Akshay Bankapur, Advocate for Applicant.

Mr. B. B. Kulkarni, APP for the Respondent - State. _________________________________________________________________ by SONALI SATISH KILAJE Date:

2026.05.05 12:49:22 +0700 SONALI SATISH KILAJE

CORAM

: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE : 30th APRIL, 2026.

P.C. :

1.

By this application, the Applicant is seeking regular bail in C.R.No. 441 of 2025 registered with Indiranagar Police Station, Nashik, for the offences punishable under Sections 64(1) and 351(2)(3) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short "BNS Act").

2.

It is prosecution's case on 12.12.2025, applicant dragged the first informant in his house and sexually assaulted her. 3.

It is contention of learned counsel for the applicant that there was love relation between the applicant and informant. There was consensual relationship between them. The Investigating Officer has recorded the statement of the victim which supports the applicant's case. The applicant is behind the bars more than four months. Investigation is

completed. Chargesheet has been filed. Hence, requested to allow the application.

4.

It is contention of learned APP that the applicant sexually assaulted the first informant against her wish by dragging her inside the house. If he released on bail, he may threaten prosecution witnesses. Hence, requested to reject the application.

5.

I have heard both the learned counsel. Perused chargesheet and documents produced on record. The statement of witnesses shows that first informant would meet the applicant. The victim is major. The applicant is behind bars for more than four months. Investigation is completed. Chargesheet has been filed. Considering these facts, I pass following order.

ORDER

i.

The applicant be enlarged on bail in C.R.No. 441 of 2025 registered with Indiranagar Police Station, Nashik, on executing P.R.Bond of Rs. 30,000/- on furnishing one or two sureties in the like amount. ii.

The applicant shall attend the concerned police station as and when required.

iii.

The applicant shall not tamper with the evidence or attempt to influence or contact the complainant,

witnesses or any person concerned with the case. iv.

The applicant shall not contact the first informant. 6.

The application is allowed in the aforesaid terms and is accordingly disposed of. All pending applications, if any, disposed of. 7.

It is made clear that the above observations are made only for the purpose of granting bail and the Trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits in accordance with law and uninfluenced by the observations made in this order.

8.

All concerned to act on the authenticated copy of this order. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)