Amol Sunil Khatal And ORS. v. The State Of Maharashtra And ANR.
1 8) ABA 288-2026.odt
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
NAGPUR BENCH AT NAGPUR CRIMINAL APPLICATION (ABA) NO. 288 OF 2026 DR. SUSHIL S/O ARUN LAHANE VS THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA THR PSO PS KHADAN DIST AKOLA Office Notes, Office Memoranda of Coram, Appearances, Court's orders or directions and Registrar's orders Court's or Judge's orders Shri I.C. Charlevar, Advocate h/f. Shri B. N. Raut, Advocate for applicant. Shri C.A.Lokhande, APP for respondent/State.
CORAM: RAJNISH R. VYAS, J.
DATED : 16th APRIL, 2026.
Apprehending the arrest, the applicant has preferred this application for the grant of anticipatory bail in connection with Crime No.
185/2026, dated 22/01/2026, registered with Police Station Khadan, Akola for the offences punishable under Sections 85, 75, 79, 351(1), 351(2), 352, 3(5), 74, 76, 77 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short, 'BNS'). 2.
The applicant, who is the husband of the informant, has approached this Court. In short, it is argued by the learned counsel for the applicant that, the applicant is a British citizen and has been residing in Canada since last more than 8 years. He contended that, the informant is his wife and perusal of the First Information Report would reveal that, the alleged harassment was in the matrimonial house of the informant since the date of marriage i.e. 07/02/2021. He further contended that, the informant had issued a notice to the applicant on 27/11/2025 demanding Rs. 5 Crore towards one-time
2 8) ABA 288-2026.odt alimony as well as return of all streedhan and jewellery etc. This notice was replied to by the applicant on 15/12/2025. Both the notices have been placed on record. Thereafter, on 22/01/2026, the FIR was lodged. The learned counsel for the applicant submits that, criminal law is set in motion not to punish the guilty, but to pressurize the Applicant.
3.
Per contra, the learned APP for the State has contended that, the allegations made against the applicant are serious, therefore, his custodial interrogation is required. He further prays for time to file a reply and produce the case diary.
4.
Considering the nature of the allegations made in the FIR as well as the fact that, the earlier notices were exchanged between the parties and there is delay in lodging the report, till filing of reply, I am inclined to pass the following order:-
ORDER
i) Issue notice to the non-applicant, returnable on 24/04/2026.
ii) The learned APP waives notice for the non-applicant/ State.
iii) In the event of arrest, in connection with Crime No. 185/2026, dated 22/01/2026, registered with Police Station Khadan, Akola for the offences punishable under Sections 85, 75, 79, 351(1), 351(2), 352, 3(5), 74, 76, 77
3 8) ABA 288-2026.odt and 78 of BNS, the applicant be released on ad-interim bail on furnishing a P.R. bond of Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) with one solvent surety in the like amount.
iv) The applicant shall attend the concerned Police Station on 23/04/2026, between 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. v) The applicant shall cooperate with the investigating agency and shall not tamper with the prosecution evidence or influence the witnesses.
vi) The applicant shall not leave the India without previous permission of the Court.
(RAJNISH R. VYAS, J.) B.T.K.
Signed by: Mr. B.T. Khapekar Designation: PA To Honourable Judge Date: 16/04/2026 20:15:35