Mumbai, March 19, 2024 – Shubham Keshav Warkad, a 19-year-old student, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a case involving threatening social media posts. Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne (Court Room No. 30) issued the order on March 14, 2024.

Warkad was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 20/2024, registered at the DCB CID Unit-IX (corresponding to C.R. No. 253/2024 at Santacruz Police Station), for offenses under Sections 506(2) (criminal intimidation) and 505(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Background and Allegations:

The prosecution alleged that Warkad, using the Twitter account @ShubhamWarkad30, replied to a post by another user (@Xavviieerrrrrr) that mentioned the Chief Minister. Warkad allegedly stated he would provide a gun to the other user to kill the Chief Minister and his son, Shrikant.

Arguments Presented:

• Applicant’s Argument (Warkad):
  • He is innocent and falsely implicated.
  • He is a student of Bachelor of Computer Applications in Pune.
  • He has been in custody since February 24, 2024, and has undergone custodial interrogation.
  • There are no criminal antecedents against him.
  • His continued detention would harm his education.
  • He is a permanent resident and will abide by all conditions.
• Prosecution’s Argument:
  • Warkad’s release could affect the collection of evidence.
  • He might flee from justice.
  • He might threaten witnesses and tamper with evidence.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Sasne considered the submissions and the record. The court noted:

• Warkad was arrested for his reply to another Twitter user’s post.
• The court observed that the statement appeared to be a reply and required verification of the intent behind it.
• The alleged offense is not punishable with imprisonment for more than seven years.
• Warkad has been in custody since February 24, 2024, and no further recovery is required.
• He is a 19-year-old student.
• The court found that imposing reasonable conditions would secure his presence and that further incarceration was unwarranted.

Therefore, the court granted bail.

Bail Conditions:

Warkad was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond and surety bond of Rs. 25,000. The following conditions were imposed:

• Warkad must not tamper with prosecution witnesses or evidence.
• He must not directly or indirectly influence, threaten, or promise any person acquainted with the facts of the case.
• He must attend the concerned police station on the first and third Saturdays of each month until the charge sheet is filed.
• He was granted provisional cash bail of Rs. 25,000 and must furnish surety within four weeks, failing which the cash bail will be forfeited.
• He must not leave India without prior court permission.
• Bail to be furnished before the Magistrate.

Order Details:

The order was dictated on March 14, 2024, transcribed on March 15, 2024, and signed on March 19, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on March 19, 2024, at 3:49 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the nature of the alleged offense, Warkad’s student status, the lack of criminal antecedents, and the imposition of conditions to ensure his cooperation and prevent potential interference with the legal process.