Vikas Shankarrao Chavan v. The State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CIRCUIT BENCH AT KOLHAPUR CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRI-INTERIM APPLICATION NO. 174 OF 2026 IN CR. APPEAL NO. 63 OF 2026 Vikas Shankarrao Chavan

VERSUS

The State Of Maharashtra Mr. Vaibhav Halake a/w Mr. Vikas Khade a/w Mr. Yash Fadtare, Mr. Sairaj Suryawanshi Advocate for Applicant Mr. Anand S. Shalgaonkar APP for the State

CORAM

:

SACHIN S. DESHMUKH, J.

DATE :

18th MARCH 2026.

P.C.

1.

Heard the learned counsel for the applicant and the learned app for the respondent-State.

2.

By this application, the applicant is seeking suspension of IRESH MASHAL sentence imposed upon him by the learned Additional Sessions Digitally signed by IRESH MASHAL Date:

2026.03.24 10:52:45 +0530 Judge, Kolhapur vide Judgment and Order dated 26/02/2026 in Sessions Case No. 66/2019.

3.

The applicant has been convicted for the offences punishable under section 306 of the Indian Penal Code.

4.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the fine amount is deposited. The sentence imposed upon the applicant is a short term sentence. If the applicant released on bail, he will not misuse the liberty. Hence, prayed to allow the application.

5.

It is contention of learned APP that the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The Trial Court has rendered a well reasoned order. As such, no interference is warranted. Hence, prayed to reject the application.

6.

Having heard the matter at length, learned counsel for the applicant has advanced various submissions, touching the merits of the case and alleged infirmities in the order under challenge. Those submissions at this stage have been noted.

7.

However, this Court is of the view that a detailed examination of those aspects would necessarily require appreciation of the entire evidence on record which would be more appropriately taken at the stage of final hearing. Therefore, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case and keeping all issues open for consideration at the time of final disposal of appeal, I am inclined to exercise power under section 389(1) of the Cr.P.C.

8.

Moreover, it is unlikely that the appeal will be heard and concluded in the near future. Considering that the sentence imposed upon the applicant is a short term sentence, I pass following order:

O R D E R

I.

The interim application is allowed.

II.

The substantive sentence of imprisonment imposed upon the applicant by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Kolhapur

vide Judgment and Order dated 26/02/2026 in Sessions Case No. 66/2019, is hereby suspended.

III.

The applicant Vikas Shankarrao Chavan be enlarged on bail on furnishing P.R. Bond in the sum of Rs. 25,000/- (Rs. Twenty Five Thousand only) and one solvent surety in the like amount. IV.

Applicant shall mark his presence before learned Additional Sessions Judge, Kolhapur once in three months on the date assigned by the concerned court.

(SACHIN S. DESHMUKH, J.)