Mumbai, April 23, 2025 – In a significant development in the ongoing corruption case, Prashant Narsinha Kini, a Senior Clerk employed at the Ghankachara Vyavasthapak office, was granted conditional bail by the Hon’ble Special Judge constituted under the Prevention of Corruption Act for Greater Mumbai. The order, passed on March 23, 2018, in Bail Application No. 214/18 arising from R.A. 317/18 (C.R. 13/18) registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Mumbai, offers temporary relief to the accused while imposing specific obligations.

The case originated from C.R. 13/18, wherein Mr. Kini is implicated in an alleged act of corruption. During the bail hearing, Advocate Mr. Parab, representing Mr. Kini, argued that his client had been falsely implicated in the offense. He emphasized that Mr. Kini is a permanent resident of Nalasopara in Palghar district and, being a senior clerk in a reputable office, poses no flight risk, thus warranting the granting of bail.

Conversely, the Learned Additional Public Prosecutor (Ld. APP) Mr. J.V. Desai, appearing for the State and the Anti-Corruption Bureau, vehemently opposed the bail application. Mr. Desai submitted that releasing the accused at this stage could lead to the tampering of crucial witnesses, potentially hindering the ongoing investigation into the alleged corrupt practices. He argued that the integrity of the investigation needed to be safeguarded, necessitating the rejection of the bail plea.

Special Judge Shri A. S. Bhagwat, presiding over the matter, carefully considered the arguments presented by both sides. The court acknowledged that the initial demand for Police Custody Remand (PCR) for the accused had been rejected, and Mr. Kini had been subsequently remanded to Magisterial Custody Remand (MCR). Notably, the court also observed that the voice sample of the accused had already been obtained by the investigating agency.

In a nuanced observation, the Special Judge opined that the pendency of further investigation should not be an absolute bar to granting bail, particularly when the accused could be directed to cooperate with the investigation. The court reasoned that the Investigating Officer (I.O.) could continue their inquiries even while the accused was on bail, provided certain conditions were imposed.

Consequently, the court ruled in favor of granting bail to Mr. Prashant Narsinha Kini, albeit with stringent conditions attached. The operative part of the order stated: “In the circumstances B.A. is allowed. Accused Prashant Narsinha Kini be released on executing P.B. and S. B. of Rs. 15,000 each with one surety in the like amount and with condition that the accused not to tamper prosecution witness in any manner neither leave India without prior permission of this court. The accused to remain present before the I.O. for further investigation on every Monday from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. till the charge sheet is filed.”

Furthermore, considering a plea made by the defense counsel for provisional cash bail, the court granted a temporary reprieve regarding the surety. The order stipulated: “In the circumstances the accused be released on Executing P.B. of Rs.15,000/- each and furnishing cash bail of Rs. 15,000/- each for a period of 4 weeks. The Registrar to accept the amount of cash bail of Rs. 15,000/- each A.T.H. Bail Application no. 214/18 is disposed off.”

This provision allows Mr. Kini to be released immediately upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹15,000 and a cash bail of an equal amount for an initial period of four weeks. Within this timeframe, he will be required to provide a surety of ₹15,000 to continue on bail.

The conditions imposed by the court are significant. Mr. Kini is explicitly forbidden from attempting to influence or intimidate any of the prosecution witnesses in the case. Additionally, he is barred from leaving the territorial limits of India without obtaining prior permission from the Special Court. Crucially, Mr. Kini is mandated to appear before the Investigating Officer every Monday between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to assist with the ongoing investigation until the charge sheet is formally filed in the case.

The order, pronounced and signed by Special Judge Shri A. S. Bhagwat on March 23, 2018, marks a crucial stage in the legal proceedings against Mr. Kini. While granting him temporary freedom, the court has ensured that the investigation can proceed unimpeded and that the accused remains accessible for further inquiries. The disposal of Bail Application No. 214/18 now paves the way for the Anti-Corruption Bureau to continue its investigation and potentially file a charge sheet based on the evidence collected. The case will undoubtedly continue to be closely watched as it progresses through the judicial system.