Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shri. Shankindra Shankar Lokhande, a 47-year-old public servant, has been granted bail by the Special Judge for CBI, Greater Bombay, Shri. N. K. More, in connection with a bribery case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Mumbai. The order, dated January 31, 2017, came in response to Bail Application No. 71 of 2017, filed within Remand Application No. 110 of 2017, pertaining to CBI case RC BA1/2016/A0035-MUMBAI.

Lokhande, residing in Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai, was represented by Advocate Mr. Sharad Mulik. The CBI was represented by PP Mr. Sony.

During the hearing, Advocate Mulik argued that Lokhande is a permanent resident of Mumbai with no prior criminal record. Emphasizing his status as a public servant, the defense contended that there was no possibility of him tampering with prosecution witnesses.

Conversely, the learned Public Prosecutor (PP) for the CBI argued that the investigation was still in progress and that releasing Lokhande on bail could lead to the tampering of witnesses and evidence.

After considering the submissions from both sides and reviewing the grounds mentioned in the bail application, the Special Judge Shri. N. K. More ruled in favor of granting bail. The court reasoned that Lokhande’s permanent residency in Mumbai and his position as a public servant mitigated the risk of him absconding. Furthermore, the court noted that conditions could be imposed to prevent any potential tampering with prosecution witnesses or evidence.

Consequently, the court passed the following order:

1. Bail Application No. 71 of 2017 is allowed.
2. Accused Shakindra Shankar Lokhande shall be released on furnishing a Personal Recognizance (P.R.) bond of ₹25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) with one or two sureties of the like amount.
3. The accused shall not tamper with the prosecution witnesses or evidence.
4. The accused shall attend before the Investigating Officer in the office of CBI, Mumbai, every Monday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. until further orders.
5. The accused is permitted to deposit cash of ₹25,000/- in the Court in lieu of surety for a period of one month. The cash amount will be accepted after treasury hours.

Bail Application No. 71 of 2017 was subsequently disposed of.

This order marks a significant development in the CBI case, granting temporary relief to the accused public servant while imposing specific conditions to ensure his cooperation with the ongoing investigation and prevent any obstruction of justice. The court’s emphasis on the applicant’s background and the imposition of reporting conditions are typical measures taken to balance the liberty of the individual with the need for a fair and thorough investigation.