Bombay High Court
VIKRANT VINOD CHAVANversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA
- Decided
- Disposal
- Disposed Off
- Bench
- SHIVKUMAR DIGE
Holding
The court granted bail to the applicant subject to a cash bond and conditions.
Summary
Vikrant Vinod Chavan applied for regular bail in a case (Crime No.272 of 2024) involving robbery with a pistol and multiple offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Arms Act and other provisions. He had been in custody for over a year and two months with no significant progress in the trial. The prosecution argued that he is a habitual offender, eyewitnesses and CCTV footage exist, and he might abscond or tamper with witnesses if released. The court noted the prolonged pre‑trial detention and lack of trial progress, and despite the seriousness of the charges, it granted bail on a cash bond with sureties, imposing conditions to prevent evidence tampering and witness intimidation. The trial court was directed to continue the trial on its merits without being influenced by this order.
Issues considered
- Whether bail should be granted despite the seriousness of the offences and the prosecution’s claim of the applicant being a habitual offender
- Whether the prolonged pre‑trial detention without trial progress justifies bail
- Whether there is a risk of the applicant absconding or tampering with evidence and witnesses if released
Legislation cited
- Arms Act — s. 25, 3(1)
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — s. 307, 309(4), 311, 33, 332(c), 351(3)
Subjects
- bail
- pre‑trial detention
- robbery
- firearm offence
- habitual offender
- evidence tampering
- criminal procedure
Judgment
20-BA-2758-2025.doc
N.S.Kamble
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 2758 OF 2025
Vikrant Vinod Chavan … Applicant
Versus
The State of Maharashtra … Respondent
NILAM
Digitally signed
by NILAM
SANTOSH
________________________________________________________
SANTOSH KAMBLE
KAMBLE Date: 2026.02.16
12:41:26 +0530
Mr.Maitrayee Gadhave, for the Applicant.
Mr.B.B. Kulkarni, APP for Respondent-State.
Mr.Yashwant Patil, API, Kamothe Police Station, Navi Mumbai.
________________________________________________________
CORAM : SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.
DATE : 12th FEBRUARY 2026
P.C. :
. By this Application, the Applicant is seeking regular bail in
Crime No.272 of 2024 registered with Kamothe Police Station, Navi
Mumbai, for the offences punishable under Sections 307, 309(4), 311,
332(c), 33, 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (‘BNS’ for short),
Sections 3(1) and 25 of the Arms Act, and Section 37(1) and 135 of the
Bombay Police Station.
2. It is prosecution’s case that on 15th November 2024, the
Applicant arrived in Cyber cafe of the First Informant and by showing pistol
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N.S.Kamble
to the First Informant, robbed Rs.20,000/- from the cash counter of the said
shop.
3. It is contention of learned counsel for the Applicant that the
Applicant is behind bars for more than one year and two months. There is
no progress in trial. It may take time to conclude the trial, and requested to
allow the Application.
4. It is contention of learned APP that, the Applicant is a habitual
offender. There are eye witnesses to the incident. The incident is recorded
in CCTV footage. If the Applicant released on bail, he may abscond or
threaten First Informant and prosecution witnesses, and requested to reject
the Application.
5. I have heard both learned counsel. Perused charge-sheet and
documents produced on record.
6. The Applicant is behind bars for more than one year and two
months. There is no progress in trial. It may take time to conclude the trial.
7. Considering these facts, I pass following order.
ORDER
(i) The Applicant-Vikrant Vinod Chavan be released
on bail in Crime No.272 of 2024 registered with Kamothe
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N.S.Kamble
Police Station, Navi Mumbai, on furnishing PR bond of
Rs.25,000/- with one or two solvent sureties in the like amount.
(ii) The Applicant shall not tamper with the evidence
and/or influence the prosecution witnesses.
(iii) The Trial Court shall decide the case on its own
merits and in accordance with law, uninfluenced by the
observations made in this order.
(iv) The Applicant shall attend the concerned Police
Station as and when required.
(v) Application is allowed in the aforesaid terms.
(SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)
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