Mumbai, June 30th, 2022 – The Sessions Court for Greater Bombay has granted bail to Mihir Kauntey Tanna, who was convicted in a cheque dishonor case, pending the outcome of his appeal. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge C.V. Patil, allowed the bail application, considering the appellant’s timely filing of the appeal and his previous bail status.

Tanna was convicted by the Metropolitan Magistrate, 6th Court, Mazgaon, Mumbai, in C.C. No. 0603142/SS/2019, under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. He was sentenced to pay a fine of Rs. 20,00,000/- as compensation to the complainant, Harshad Bhanji Dedhia, with a default sentence of three months of simple imprisonment.

Tanna subsequently filed a criminal appeal, which was admitted by the Sessions Court.

Judge Patil, in her order, noted that Tanna had filed his appeal within the limitation period and that he had been on bail during the trial and even after his conviction.

“It is not in dispute that the appellant was on bail during trial, so also, even after conviction he is released on bail,” Judge Patil stated. “Since, the appeal is admitted, it is just and desirable to release the appellant on bail, during the pendency of appeal.”

Consequently, the court granted bail to Mihir Kauntey Tanna, subject to the following conditions:

• Personal Bond (P.R.) and Surety Bond: Tanna must execute a P.R. Bond of Rs. 15,000/- with one surety of the same amount, or deposit a cash amount of Rs. 15,000/- as security.
• Information to Magistrate: The concerned Magistrate was directed to be informed of the bail grant.

The court’s decision reflects the common practice of granting bail to convicted individuals pending their appeals, especially in cases involving financial offenses under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The appeal process will proceed in due course.