Mumbai, Maharashtra – August 7, 2022 – Ayesha Sarfaraz Sayyed, also known as Ayesha Shaikh, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Mumbai in connection with a case involving assault and obstruction of railway police officers. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Shri A.A. Kulkarni, granted bail, ordering Sayyed to report to the Mumbai Central Railway Police Station on the first Monday of each month until the conclusion of the trial.

Sayyed, a 25-year-old resident of Malad, Mumbai, was arrested in connection with Crime No. 385/2022, registered at the Mumbai Central Railway Police Station. She was charged under sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty),¹ 294 (obscene acts and songs), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman),² and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal³ Code (IPC).

Background of the Case:

The case involves allegations that Sayyed assaulted railway police officers while they were discharging their duties. The prosecution argued that Sayyed exhibited a criminal mentality and that her release on bail could lead to her absconding.

Applicant’s Arguments for Bail:

Ms. Ruby Shaikh, representing Sayyed, argued that her client had been remanded to judicial custody by the Learned Metropolitan Magistrate and that her physical custody was no longer required for investigation. She assured the court that Sayyed was ready to cooperate with the police and abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

Prosecution’s Objections:

Ms. Ratnavali Patil, representing the State, opposed the bail application, citing Sayyed’s alleged assault on police officers and the risk of her absconding.

Court’s Observations and Decision:

Judge Kulkarni, after considering the submissions from both sides and the nature of the offense, concluded that Sayyed’s further detention was unnecessary. The court determined that imposing conditions would ensure her presence during the trial.

Bail Conditions:

The court granted bail to Sayyed, subject to the following conditions:

• Sayyed must furnish a Personal Recognizance (P.R.) bond of Rs. 15,000/- along with one or two sureties of the same amount.
• She must attend the Mumbai Central Railway Police Station on the first Monday of each month until the conclusion of the trial.
• She must provide her residential address proof and contact numbers to the investigating officer.
• She must not directly or indirectly influence any person acquainted with the facts of the case.
• She must not leave India without prior permission from the court.
• The bail must be furnished before the lower court.

Outcome:

The court’s decision reflects a balance between the severity of the alleged offenses and the individual’s right to liberty. By imposing conditions such as monthly police station attendance and restrictions on influencing witnesses, the court aimed to ensure Sayyed’s cooperation with the legal process while granting her release. The case highlights the court’s consideration of both the nature of the crime and the necessity of continued detention in bail matters.