Mumbai, May 6, 2024 – Dattatray Anant Lingayat, a convicted person, has been granted interim bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Mumbai. Additional Sessions Judge S.P. Pingle allowed Lingayat’s bail application (Criminal Bail Application No. 1103 of 2024) to suspend his sentence until his appeal is registered, citing the severe hardship faced by his dependent family.

Lingayat had applied for regular bail and suspension of sentence pending his appeal.

Defense Arguments:

Lingayat’s advocate, Sunny Singh, argued that his client had a dependent minor daughter and wife who were facing extreme hardship. They were reportedly starving due to the lack of anyone to earn a livelihood for them. Singh requested the court to grant interim relief by staying the operation of the impugned order (the conviction order) until the appeal could be formally registered.

Prosecution’s Stance:

The Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), Ms. B.G. Pande, representing the State, submitted a handwritten application requesting the court to pass necessary orders.

Court’s Decision:

Judge Pingle, after considering the submissions, was inclined to grant interim relief due to the immediate hardship faced by Lingayat’s family. He decided to stay the operation and effect of the conviction order until Lingayat’s appeal was registered.

Conditions of Bail:

Judge Pingle granted Lingayat interim bail on the following condition:

• He must furnish a Personal Bond (PB) and Surety Bond (SB) of ₹15,000.

Significance of the Order:

This order demonstrates the court’s consideration of humanitarian grounds in granting interim relief. While the court acknowledged the conviction, it prioritized the immediate welfare of the convict’s dependent family. This decision highlights the court’s discretion to balance the interests of justice with the need to alleviate immediate hardship. It is important to note that this is an interim order, and the final decision on bail will be made after the appeal is registered and heard.