Mumbai, Maharashtra – August 7, 2022 – Muskan Raees Qureshi, arrested for assaulting a public servant, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Mumbai. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge A.A. Kulkarni, granted bail, emphasizing the lack of need for further detention and imposing conditions to ensure Qureshi’s presence during the trial.

Qureshi was arrested in connection with Crime No. 385 of 2022, registered at the Mumbai Central Railway Police Station, and was charged under sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty),¹ 294 (obscene acts and songs), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman),² and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal³ Code (IPC).

Applicant’s Arguments for Bail:

Ruby Shaikh, representing Qureshi, argued that her client was remanded to judicial custody and no further physical custody was required. She stated that Qureshi was ready to cooperate with the police investigation and abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

Prosecution’s Objections:

Ratnavali Patil, representing the State, opposed the bail application, arguing that Qureshi had a “criminal mentality” and had assaulted police officers while they were discharging their duties. The prosecution expressed concerns about Qureshi absconding if released on bail.

Court’s Observations and Decision:

Judge Kulkarni considered the submissions from both sides and the nature of the offenses. He concluded that there was no need for further detention of Qureshi and that conditions could be imposed to ensure her presence during the trial.

Bail Conditions:

The court granted bail to Qureshi, subject to the following conditions:

• Qureshi must furnish a Personal Recognizance (P.R.) bond of Rs. 15,000 with one or two sureties of the same amount.
• Qureshi must attend the Mumbai Central Railway Police Station on the first Monday of each month until the conclusion of the trial.
• Qureshi must provide her residential address proof and contact numbers to the investigating officer.
• Qureshi must not directly or indirectly influence any witnesses.
• Qureshi must not leave India without the court’s prior permission.
• Bail must be furnished before the lower court.

Outcome:

The court’s decision reflects a balance between the severity of the alleged offenses and the need to ensure Qureshi’s cooperation with the legal process. By imposing conditions such as monthly police attendance and restrictions on leaving the country, the court aims to ensure Qureshi’s presence during the trial while granting her bail.