Mumbai, May 3, 2024 – James Bablu Joseph has been denied bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a robbery and assault case. Additional Sessions Judge V.M. Sundale (Court Room No. 27) issued the order on May 2, 2024.

Joseph was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 148/2024, registered at the Mulund Police Station, for offenses under Section 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), 506(2) (criminal intimidation), and Sections 37(1)(A) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

Background and Allegations:

The complainant alleged that on March 19, 2024, at around 9:15 a.m., while on his way to work, Joseph robbed him at knifepoint and caused serious injuries.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate Prashant R. Patond, representing Joseph, filed the bail application under Section 439 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Ratnavali Patil, representing the State, opposed the bail, citing Joseph’s criminal antecedents. The prosecution stated that Joseph had looted and injured the complainant with a knife. They also raised concerns about Joseph creating law and order problems during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and festivals.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Sundale reviewed the record and submissions from both sides. He noted that Joseph’s name and role were specifically mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR). The FIR alleged that Joseph forcibly took Rs. 200 from the complainant under the threat of a knife and caused serious injuries.

The court highlighted Joseph’s criminal antecedents, noting that approximately 12 similar crimes were registered against him in different police stations. Many of these crimes were committed while Joseph was on bail.

The court emphasized that the offense under Section 394 of the IPC is serious and punishable with imprisonment for life or ten years. The court also noted that the investigation was ongoing.

The court found the prosecution’s apprehensions to be well-founded and concluded that Joseph was not entitled to bail.

Decision:

Joseph’s bail application was rejected.

Order Details:

The order was dictated, transcribed, and signed on May 2, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on May 3, 2024, at 12:15 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of Joseph’s criminal antecedents, the seriousness of the offense, the ongoing investigation, and the potential for Joseph to create law and order problems.