Manoj Ramesh Mehta And ANR v. The State Of Maharashtra And ORS

127-IA-737-2026 (CR).docx Rohit Ghuge

IN THE JUDICATURE OF HIGH COURT AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION INTERIM APPLICATION NO. 737 OF 2026 IN CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 221 OF 2026 Manoj Ramesh Mehta and anr.

versus The State Of Maharashtra and ors.

_________________________________________________________________ Mr. K. T. Babu, Advocate for Applicant.

Ms. Gauri Rao, APP for Respondent-State.

_________________________________________________________________

CORAM

: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE : 6th APRIL, 2026.

P.C. :

1.

This is an application for suspension of sentence and bail. 2.

The applicants have been convicted for the offence punishable under Section 3 read with section 7 (i) (a) (ii) of the Essential Commodities Act. The applicants have been sentenced to suffer simple imprisonment for two years and pay fine of Rs.50,000/- each, in default to suffer further simple imprisonment of two years. 3.

It is the contention of learned counsel for the applicant that the trial Court has granted bail to the applicants and suspended their sentence during the appeal period. During the trial, the applicants were on bail. Hence, requested to allow the application.

4.

The learned APP for respondent-State strongly objected to allow the application.

5.

I have heard both learned counsel.

6.

Considering the submission of both learned counsel as well as

127-IA-737-2026 (CR).docx Rohit Ghuge sentence imposed on the Applicant is short term sentence. During trial Applicants were on bail. They have not misused the liberty. Considering these facts, the sentence imposed on the applicants are suspended till final disposal of the Appeal.

7.

The application is disposed of in the following terms.

O R D E R

(i) The substantive sentence of imprisonment awarded to the applicants is hereby suspended pending disposal of the appeal, subject to the applicants furnishing a PR bond in the sum of Rs. 25,000/- each with one or two sureties in the like amount each. (ii) The bail bonds to be furnished before the learned Additional Sessions Judge.

(iii) The Interim Application is disposed of. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)