MUMBAI, INDIA – July 4, 2022 – The Sessions Court in Greater Bombay has granted bail to Manish Aadesh Padangle, accused of obstructing police officers in the discharge of their duties. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Anand P. Kanade, granted bail in connection with C.R. No. 411/2022 registered at Pant Nagar Police Station.

Padangle was arrested on June 6, 2022, and charged under Section 353 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and Section 142 of the Maharashtra Police Act. The case stems from an incident on May 16, 2022, when police officers were attempting to apprehend wanted accused Sahil Kishore Pathare.

According to the prosecution, officers were acting on information that Pathare was at his residence. When they located and began questioning him, Padangle, along with co-accused Nitesh Sonawane and an unidentified individual, allegedly intervened. They reportedly argued with the police and facilitated Pathare’s escape.

The defense, led by Advocate Bharat Redij, argued that Padangle had cooperated with the investigation and that his further custody was unnecessary. They contended that there was no assault or use of criminal force, making Section 353 of the IPC inapplicable. They also emphasized that nothing was to be recovered from Padangle and that the investigation was nearly complete.

The prosecution, represented by Ld. Addl.P.P. Seema Deshpande, opposed the bail application, citing the absconding co-accused and the potential for repeat offenses. They also argued that the investigation was ongoing.

Judge Kanade, after reviewing the police papers and hearing both sides, noted that the investigation, including the spot panchnama and witness statements, was complete. He also observed that Padangle’s police custody period had ended and that further detention was unwarranted.

The court granted bail to Padangle, subject to the following stringent conditions:

• Bail Bond: Padangle was required to execute a personal bond of Rs. 20,000/- with one or two solvent sureties of the same amount.
• Provisional Cash Security: Provisional cash security of Rs. 20,000/- was allowed for one month in lieu of the surety bond.
• Police Attendance: Padangle must report to Pant Nagar Police Station every Thursday between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the charge sheet is filed.
• Relative Information: He must provide a list of at least three blood relatives with their addresses and employment details, along with supporting documents.
• Address Change Notification: Padangle and his sureties must inform the police and the court of any change in their residential addresses.
• Document Submission: He must submit copies of at least two identification documents, such as Pan Card, Aadhar Card, Ration Card, Electricity Bill, or Voter ID.
• Address Verification: The investigating officer must conduct a physical verification of Padangle’s residential address.
• No Tampering: He is prohibited from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
• Travel Restriction: He cannot leave the territorial limits of Mumbai without prior court permission.
• No Similar Offenses: He is prohibited from committing similar offenses while on bail.
• Document and Security Compliance: Conditions regarding document submission and address verification must be met simultaneously with the furnishing of cash security or the surety bond.

This decision reflects the court’s balancing act between individual liberty and the need to ensure the integrity of the investigation and prevent further offenses. The stringent conditions imposed underscore the court’s concern about potential obstruction of justice. The case will be monitored as it progresses through the judicial system.