Mumbai, April 12, 2025 (Mazgaon Court Desk): The Sessions Court for Greater Mumbai, situated at Mazgaon, has granted bail to Smt. Jaymala Prasad Shinde (49), a resident of Nallasopara East, Vasai, who was convicted in a cheque dishonour case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The bail order, dated April 23, 2024, comes while Shinde’s appeal against the conviction is pending before the same court.

Smt. Shinde was convicted by the learned trial Court in C.C. No. 10/SS/2018 on March 6, 2024, and sentenced to six months of simple imprisonment. The court also directed her to pay a substantial compensation of ₹ 36,11,000/- to the complainant, Smt. Ayesh Mohd. Shakil Qureshi (43), a businesswoman residing in Dadar (E), Mumbai, within three months from the date of the judgment. Failure to pay the compensation would result in an additional six months of simple imprisonment.

Mr. S. S. Pradhan, the learned advocate appearing for the appellant Smt. Shinde, argued for bail. He pointed out that his client was on bail throughout the duration of the trial. He further emphasized that Smt. Shinde has filed a criminal appeal (No. 236 of 2024) challenging the legality and correctness of the conviction judgment.

Mr. S. K. Zende, the learned advocate representing the respondent/original complainant, Smt. Ayesh Mohd. Shakil Qureshi, was also present during the hearing before His Honour Additional Sessions Judge K. P. Shrikhande in Court Room No. 87.

After carefully considering the submissions from both counsel, the Additional Sessions Judge noted that the appellant/accused was on bail during the trial. The court also acknowledged the filing of the appeal against the conviction and the fact that both the substantive sentence of imprisonment and the order to pay compensation have been suspended pending the outcome of the appeal. Based on these considerations, the court formed the view that the appellant/accused could be released on bail.

Consequently, the court passed the following order:

ORDER

1. Criminal Bail Application No. 890 of 2024 is allowed.
2. The appellant/accused Smt. Jaymala Prasad Shinde shall be released on bail upon executing a Personal Recognizance (P.R.) bond of ₹ 40,000/- (Rupees Forty Thousand) with a surety of a like amount.
3. The appellant/accused is directed to furnish the bail before the trial Court within one month from the date of this order.
4. Liberty is granted to the appellant/accused to furnish cash security of ₹ 40,000/- in lieu of a solvent surety.
5. Criminal Bail Application No. 890 of 2024 is disposed of accordingly.

The order was pronounced on April 23, 2024, and the certified true copy of the signed judgment/order was uploaded on the court’s record on May 2, 2024. The granting of bail offers temporary respite to Smt. Shinde while her appeal against the conviction in the cheque dishonour case proceeds in the Sessions Court. The final decision on her appeal will determine the ultimate outcome of this legal matter.