Mumbai, Thane [Current Location] – April 14, 2025 – The Special Judge constituted under the Prevention of Corruption Act for Greater Mumbai has granted bail to Pradeep Ramchandra Tavare, the accused in Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) Mumbai C.R. No. 10/18. The order, dated March 17, 2018, was passed in Bail Application No. 189 of 2018, which was filed in relation to Remand Application No. 289 of 2018.
The case involves allegations of corruption against Tavare, with the State being represented by the Anti Corruption Bureau.
During the hearing, Advocate Mr. Jambaulikar, representing the accused, argued that Tavare was falsely implicated in the offense. He emphasized that his client is a permanent resident of Mumbai and posed no flight risk.
The learned APP Mr. J. V. Desai, appearing for the State/Respondent, opposed the bail application, citing the likelihood of the accused tampering with prosecution witnesses if released.
However, Special Judge Shri A. S. Bhagwat (C.R.No.45) noted that the investigation, to the extent requiring the physical custody of the accused, was complete. This observation came after the rejection of the application for Police Custody Remand (PCR) on the same day.
Considering this development, the court deemed it appropriate to release the accused on bail, subject to certain conditions.
In the order, the court stated, “In the circumstances B.A. is allowed. Accused Pradeep Ramchandra Tavare be released on executing P.B. and S. B. of Rs. 15,000 each with one surety in the like amount and with condition that the accused not to tamper prosecution witness in any manner neither leave India without prior permission of this court. The accused to remain present before the I.O. on every Monday at his office between 10.00am to 1.00pm till chargesheet is filed.”
Furthermore, at the stage of the order, Mr. Jambaulikar requested a temporary cash bail for his client, as he was unable to produce sureties immediately. The court granted this request, ordering, “In the circumstance the accused be released on furnishing cash bail of Rs.15,000/ and P.B. of like amount, till next date. The Registrar to accept the amount of cash bail from accused after Treasury hours and Office hours.”
The order, dictated, transcribed, and signed on March 17, 2018, and subsequently uploaded on March 19, 2018, indicates that while the allegations against Tavare are serious, the completion of the physical custody phase of the investigation was a significant factor in the court’s decision to grant bail with specific conditions to ensure the integrity of the legal process. The requirement for the accused to appear before the Investigating Officer (I.O.) regularly and the restrictions on leaving the country and tampering with witnesses are aimed at balancing the accused’s liberty with the need for a fair and thorough investigation and trial.