Bombay High Court
RADHA MOHAN MISHRA S/O LATE PRABHU NATH MISHRAversusTHE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA
- Decided
- Disposal
- Disposed Off
Holding
The Court granted bail to the applicant on medical grounds, finding his health condition severe and unmanageable in custody.
Summary
Radha Mohan Mishra was arrested in the early hours of 17 June 2026 along with 23 family members in a large police operation. He contended that the grounds of arrest were not communicated until several hours later, violating the safeguards under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Mishra, a 59‑year‑old suffering from multiple serious ailments—including post‑sleeve gastrectomy dietary restrictions, IgG4 autoimmune pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, and steroid‑dependent pituitary disease—argued that his health could not be adequately managed in custody. The State maintained that the arrest was lawful, the FIR was filed before the arrest, and that his medical needs could be met in the jail hospital. After reviewing extensive medical reports and noting the applicant’s drastic weight loss and repeated hospitalisations, the Court held that his condition was life‑threatening and not manageable in prison, and therefore granted bail on medical grounds with strict conditions.
Issues considered
- The legality of the arrest, specifically whether grounds of arrest were communicated in time as required by BNSS.
- Whether the applicant’s medical condition warrants grant of bail on medical grounds.
- Whether the State’s claim that the jail hospital can provide adequate treatment is sufficient.
Legislation cited
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — s. 47, 483
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — s. 115(2), 123, 3(5), 351(2), 352, 61(2), 64(2)(m), 68, 74, 75, 77
Subjects
- bail
- medical bail
- illegal arrest
- fundamental rights
- BNSS
- BNS
- Maharashtra Prevention Act
- health
- undertrial
Judgment
BA.3495.2026.doc
Ajay
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
BAIL APPLICATION NO. 3495 OF 2026
Radha Mohan Mishra .. Applicant
Versus
State of Maharashtra .. Respondent
....................
Mr. Salman K. Pathan a/w. Ms. Kanika Ahuja and Ms. Kirti Ahuja,
learned Advocates for Applicant.
Ms. Sukanta Karmakar, APP for Respondent – State.
Dr. Aman Pandey, Chief Medical Officer Mumbai Central Prison.
Kanchan Jadhav, Police Inspector, Crime Branch Unit – 4, Pune City
......…...........
CORAM : MILIND N. JADHAV, J.
DATE : SEPTEMBER 7, 2026.
P.C.:
1. Heard Mr. Pathan, learned Advocate for Applicant and Ms.
Karmakar learned APP for Respondent No.– State.
2. Present Application is filed by Applicant under Section 483
of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNSS”)
seeking enlargement on bail in connection with FIR No.210 of 2026
registered with Crime Branch Unit – 4, Pune for offences punishable
under Sections 61(2), 115(2), 123, 351(2), 352, 64(2)(m), 68, 74, 75,
77 read with 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (and Sections 3,
4, 5 of Maharashtra Prevention of Eradication of Human Sacrifice and
other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
3. Briefly stated, Applicant and one Rajan Kakkar resided in
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separate accommodations on a jointly held land and were in partners
in real estate business. Rajan Kakkar was Power of Attorney holder of
Applicant’s family and managed the finances and properties of
Applicant’s family. In 2010 Appliant’s family and Kakkar family jointly
purchased property in Pune upon which Applicant’s residence is
constructed and is presently the subject of pending civil litigation
before jurisdictional Civil Court in Pune. In 2024, disputes arose
between Applicant and Kakkar family and Applicant’s family revoked
Power of Attorney granted in favour of Kakkar family. Between July
2025 and April 2026, Applicant’s family addressed three police
complaints alleging threats and blackmail by Kakkar family to them.
On 17.06.2026 at 1:50 a.m. Applicant was arrested from his residence
along with 23 family members and FIR No.210 of 2026 came to be
registered against Applicant and 6 other persons. Applicant filed Bail
Application No.4114 of 2026 before Additional Sessions Judge, Pune
which came to be rejected by order dated 25.08.2026. Trial Court
rejected Applicant’s Bail on merits as well as medical grounds. Hence,
the present Application.
4. Mr. Pathan, learned Advocate for Applicant would submit
that Applicant was arrested at 1:50 a.m. however grounds of arrest
were furnished to Applicant only at 8:00 a.m therefore Applicant’s
arrest was gross, brazen and an unconstitutional deprivation of his
fundamental rights as Respondent failed to comply with safeguards
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enumerated under BNSS. He would submit that around 200 police
officers without identification forcefully entered Applicant’s house and
detained over 23 individuals including women and children.
4.1. He would submit that no grounds for arrest were furnished
to Applicant nor any of the individuals detained neither was any FIR
filed against them as the FIR was only registered at 4:15 a.m. i.e. over
2 hours after their arrest. He would submit that 17 individuals were
detained without any FIR registered against them and they were
subsequently released by the Police at 5:00 a.m. and dropped to their
homes. He would submit that 6 accused persons, excluding Applicant,
filed Writ Petition No.3008 of 2026 before this Court challenging their
illegal arrest and sought grant of bail which was allowed by order
dated 23.07.2026.
4.2. He would submit that submit that Applicant is 59 years old
and suffers from numerous serious medical conditions. He would
submit that Applicant underwent Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in
November 2025 wherein 80% of his stomach was removed and he was
to then maintain a strictly prescribed liquid / semi liquid diet. He
would submit that subsequently in March 2026 Applicant was
diagnosed with IgG4 disease, a rare auto immune disorder which
affected Applicant’s pituitary gland and pancreas functioning and
required his mandatory dosage of steroids daily to survive. He would
submit that since Applicant also suffers from Liver Cirrhosis and Auto
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Immune Pancreas disease which is shown in his discharge summary
and medical reports which are appended at page No.196 to 208 of the
Petition, bail is pleaded predominantly on medical grounds. He would
submit that since Applicant’s arrest, he was unable to maintain his
strict diet in custody and he has lost 21 kilograms of weight which is
dangerous to his health and further suffers from vomiting, giddiness,
dehydration and abdomen discomfort due to which he has falled 3 – 4
times in custody. He would submit that in July 2026, Applicant was
hospitalized in Sasson General Hospital, Pune however rheumatology
and endocrinology specialists were not available, hence in August 2026
Applicant was transferred to KEM Hospital, Mumbai and later to J.J.
Government Hospital, Mumbai for treatment for treatment. He would
submit that Applicant’s medical condition did stabilize but however his
prescribed diet was not available at either hospital.
4.3. He would submit that Applicant’s repeated hospitalization
shows that his medical condition is life threatening and mere
classification of his condition as stable cannot be equated to treatable
while in custody. He would submit that Applicant suffers from chronic
multi organ diseases due to which he has been admitted to hospital on
several occasions and suffered drastic loss in body weight while in
custody due to non – availability of prescribed diet. He would submit
that Applicant requires to follow a strict diet, receive timely medication
and constant observation of a rheumatologist, gastroenterologist and
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endocrinologist which cannot be provided to him while he is in
custody. He would refer to and rely upon the deicisions of the Supreme
Court, Delhi High Court and this Court in the following cases in
support of his submissions:- (i) Ushik Mahesh Gala Vs. Directorate of
Enforcement 1; (ii) Amit Katyal Vs. Directorate of Enforcement 2 (iii)
Mihir Rajesh Shah Vs. State of Maharashtra 3 and (iv) Ashrafbhai
Ibrahimbhai Kalavdiya 4. He would urge this Court to consider the
medical condition of the Applicant and enlarge Applicant on bail in
light of his submissions.
5. PER CONTRA Mr. Karmakar, learned APP for Respondent –
State would submit that perusal of General Diary at Kharadi Police
Station states that cognizable offence and First Information Report
were both recorded at 2:03 a.m therefore Applicant was arrested prior
to after receiving information of a cognizable offence against him and
not later as alleged by Applicant. He would submit that Investigation
Officer furnished ground of arrest under Section 47 of BNSS to
Applicant at 8:00 a.m. which were explained to Applicant in Hindi, the
language he is conversant with, after which he affixed his signature on
the same, therefore grounds of arrest were duly communicated to him
in accordance with law.
5.1. He would submit that sister of Applicant filed Writ Petition
1 Bail Application No.1836 of 2026 decided on 24.08.2026
2 Bail Application No.2024 of 2024 decided on 26.06.2024
3 MANU/SC/1492/2025
4 Criminal Bail Application No.420 of 2025 decided on 18.07.2025
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before this Court seeking to hospitalize Applicant due to certain
medical issues and a team of doctors from J.J. Hospital examined
Applicant and filed their report stating that Applicant was in stable
medical condition and thereafter sister of Applicant withdrew her writ
Petition. He would submit that there is no document on record to show
that Applicant is ailing from any life threatening medical condition and
therefore he would urge me to dismiss the present Application for
grant of bail. He would refer to and rely upon the following decisions
of this Court in support of his submissions:- (i) Rukmini Prabhunath
Mishra Vs. The State of Maharashtra 5; (ii) Sunil Kumar
Rameshchandra Garg Vs. State of Maharashtra 6; (iii) Lalit Nagpal Vs.
State of Maharashtra 7.
6. I have heard both the learned Advocates appearing for the
parties and with their able assistance, perused the record of the case.
Submissions made by learned Advocates and APP at the bar have
received due consideration of the Court.
7. Applicant before this Court seeks enlargement on bail
primarily on grounds of illegal arrest and his poor medical condition.
At the outset it is seen that there are 7 accused persons including
Applicant arraigned in FIR No.210 of 2026 however all accused
persons excluding Applicant were granted bail by virtue of order dated
5 Writ Petition No.3983 of 2026 decided on 14.08.2026
6 Interim Application No.4340 of 2025 in Criminal Bail Application No.3428 of 2025 decided on 05.12.2025
7 Criminal Application No.348 of 2006 decided on 12.09.2006
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23.07.2026 passed by this Court in Writ Petition No.3008 of 2026.
Learned Advocate for Applicant has urged bail to be granted to
Applicant on medical grounds to seek appropriate medical attention
due to his drastic loss of weight in custody and lack of access to his
prescribed medication. Certain reports alluded to determine the
severity of Applicant's medical condition have been perused by me with
the able assitance of the learned Advocates as well as two Doctors who
have presented themselves before Court on behal of prosecution.
These reports are as follows:- viz:- (i) Discharge Summary dated
05.11.2025 issued by Dr. Raman Goel, Bariatrics Department of
Wockhardt Perusal of the material on record would show that
Applicant underwent Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery and though
Applicant was discharged in stable condition he was to maintain
strictly liquid diet and follow with his attending doctor Dr. Madhu
Goel; (ii) CT Scan and PET Scan Report dated 18.06.2025 conducted
by Dr. Aishvarya Vasishta of Aiva Sonograpgh Clinic which concludes
that Applicant suffers from advanced chronic liver disease; (iii) FAPI
Scan Report dated 06.03.2026 conducted by Dr. Uday Phadke of Dr.
Solav Spectlab which concludes that Applicant suffers from chronic
fibrotic phase of Autoimmune Pancreatitis i.e. (IgG4) which was
confirmed by CT Scan Report dated 01.05.2026 issued by Dr. Sushil
Panbude Consultant Radiologist at Grant Medical Foundation Ruby
Hall Clinic and (iv) Medical documents issued by Department of
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General medicine, Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ
Group of Hospitals, Mumbai which confirms the findings in the
aforementioned medical reports and states that Applicant is required to
consult specialist doctors in Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and
Rheumatology. The Doctors present in Court have interacted with me
on the veracity of the above reports / papers and prima facie do not
dispute the same.
8. The core of the prosecution is that Applicant’s medical
condition is not serious or life threatening and can be treated through
Yerwada jail hospital and he can continue his medication prescribed by
doctors at J.J. Government Hospital in jail. It is also the case of
prosecution that there was no illegality in Applicant’s arrest and that
ingredients of all offences under BNS and Maharashtra Prevention of
Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori
Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013 qua Applicant are duly complied
with and therefore he should not be enlarged on bail.
9. In the present case, after perusal of the material appended
on record, I have no doubt that Applicant’s medical condition is
precarious and the chronology of his medical history while in custody
is even more disturbing even to the mind of a normal prudent person.
It is seen that Applicant has been admitted to 5 hospitals between Pune
and Mumbai within 70 days of incarceration due to his medical
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condition. Applicant underwent Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery in
November 2025 where 80% of his stomach was removed and he was
strictly directed to remain on liquid / semi liquid diet. Thereafter
Applicant was arrested on 17.06.2026, he was diagnosed with Auto
Immunce Pancreatitis IgG4 disease and was admitted to DY Patil
Medical College and Hospital to take Rituximab Injection. Due to
severe complications from his surgeries and non – availability of his
prescribed diet in the Jail Hospital, Applicant underwent episodes of
vomiting, dizziness, fainting, dehydration and fatigue and prima facie
it is seen that he lost 21 kilograms of body weight in a span of 48 days
of incarceration which by itself is alarming and dangerous to health
under normal circumstances let alone the dire medical circumstances
within which Applicant finds himself in the present case. It is further
seen that since Yerwada Jail Hospital and Sasson General Hospital did
not have the requisite specialist doctors, Applicant was brought to
Mumbai on 31.07.2026 to receive medical attention from KEM
Hospital and JJ Hospital. The reports issued by these hospitals are
appended to the Application and I have perused the same.
10. Perusal of the material on record bring home the conclusion
that sickness, infirmity and health conditions of Applicant are severe
and hence directing Applicant to remain in custody or even the prison
hospital, is incompatible with his health conditions and that it would
run the risk of deterioration of his health further to a point of no return
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in that case. We are otherwise all aware of the jail conditions and the
enormity of congestion in jails and I need not comment on the same.
11. The long standing practice of “bail is the rule, jail is the
exception” ought to be aptly put into practice in such open and shut
cases. I am conscious of the fact that Medical Bail is the most misused
bail when all doors are shut. There is no doubt in the correctness of
this statement by and large. However, the doctors present in Court
before me have confirmed about the infirmity of Applicant’s health due
to his medical condition and do not dispute the Medical Reports. In the
present circumstances, Applicant has undergone Sleeve Gastrectomy
Surgery where 80% of his stomach was removed as a consequence of
which he is restricted to liquid / semi liquid diet. There is no dispute
that Applicant does not have access to this strictly prescribed diet and
the consequences of non adherence to the same are seen in his drastic
weight loss and frequent admission to numerous hospitals. Applicant is
further diagnosed with Type – I Auto Immune Pancreatitis, Liver
Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and even Pitutary Gland issue for which
Applicant is to take steroids. None of these ailments are disputed by
Respondent.
12. In this regard I would like to refer to the decision of the
Delhi High Court in the case of Amit Katyal Vs. Directorate of
Enforcement8, wherein it was held that it is vital to meet dietary
8 Supra
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requirements of undertrials if they are to be physically and medically
fit to stand trial which may not be adequately provided in jail. The
relevant paragraph No.20 is reproduced hereunder for ease of
reference:-
“20. On a conspectus of the report dated 14.06.2024 by the
Medical Board of the AIIMS as also the treating Doctors at DDU
Hospital as per the prescription dated 21.06.2024, besides the
medical history of the applicant, the answer should be in the
affirmative. It is but manifest that the dietary requirements of the
applicant are such that they cannot be provided in the jail
premises. Considering that the petitioner has undergone surgery
on 09.04.2024, post Bariatric Surgery, he needs to be given a
proper diet in order to attain adequate physical, mental and
psychological well-being for at least a period of 3 to 4 months. The
level of care, attention, minute to minute monitoring and
emergency response which the applicant requires, cannot be
provided at the jail presently. There is no gainsaying that
providing home cooked food on an every day basis for a long
duration is fraught with several technical hurdles at the jail
premises.”
13. Perusal of the material on record would show that
Applicant’s prolonged incarceration eventhough for a few months has
significantly affected his overall health and prima facie he requires
ample rehabilitation, care, monitoring of his diet, precaution from
infections and regular uninterrupted appointments with
Gastroenterology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology specialists. These
requirements can only be met if Applicant receives treatment at a
hospital of his choice and / or his home where he is well taken care of
away from infection related environment if he is to stand trial. There is
a marked qualitative difference in the treatment received as an
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undertrial prisoner especially in jail barracks and jail hospital and as a
citizen under no restraint. I need not say much on this aspect. Food
supplements and medical care form the fulcrum of Applicant’s
rehabilitation process. It is seen from Applicant’s precarious medical
condition, degree of care and monitoring of existing / subsisting
ailments from which the Applicant suffers along with observations for
any untoward complications that may arise altogether clearly justify
grant of medical bail to the Applicant before me.
14. Investigating Officer shall be at the liberty to visit the
hospital / home of Applicant for investigation after giving him due
notice. Applicant’s supervising doctors are directed to prepare
appropriate reports about the status and medical condition of
Applicant and his availability to co-operate with the investigation
depending on his recovery and apprise the Investigating Officer about
the same within one month from today.
15. Applicant shall cooperate and provide all details for
investigation as called upon. The Application of Applicant is primarily
considered on medical grounds at this stage and it is subject to
revocation if he and / or other accused persons do not co-operate with
the investigation. Merely because at this stage unless the entire chain
which is linked is to be traced including the absconding Accused or
there maybe involvement of other parties, keeping the Applicant in jail
in his present precarious condition when he is ready to co-operate
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cannot be the answer to deny him bail on medical grounds. Hence, on
both above counts but with a direction that Applicant's through their
other accused persons shall ensure complete co-operation with the
investigation and he shall make all disclosures as required.
16. That apart this Court while passing orders on pervious
occasions in so far as the Applicant's medical condition is concerned
has clearly applied its mind and the same is certified by the reports
placed before this Court. Hence on medical ground, Applicant deserves
enlargement on bail for his medical treatment and rehabilitation which
cannot be denied to him in view of his precarious medical condition
and requirement for post surgery rehabilitation. Needless to state that
every 6 months the Applicant will present himself at Sasson General
Hospital for a checkup and the Dean of the said hospital shall, through
a committee, examine the status of Applicant’s health parameters and
give opinion in a Report to the prosecution. Prosecution will be at
liberty to approach this Court on the basis on that Report for seeking
custody of the Applicant and for seeking cancellation of his medical
bail.
17. In view of the above order, Applicant is directed to be
released on bail on medical grounds on following conditions:-
(i) Applicant – Radha Mohan Mishra be released on bail,
on furnishing a P.R. Bond of Rs.2,00,000/- and one or more
sureties in the like amount;
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(ii) It is directed that the other accused persons, if any,
whose names shall be provided by the Applicant to the
Investigating Officer, shall attend investigation before the
Investigating Officer on the first and third Monday of every
month from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with all disclosures as
called for by the Investigating Officer initially for a period of
six (6) months from today and thereafter depending upon
the Report given by the Sasson General Hospital, the
Applicant will also join in the investigation along with all the
other accused persons who are directed to be present before
the Investigating Officer as directed or as called for by the
Investigating Officer thereafter. Every month after his
release, Investigating Officer shall be at liberty to visit the
Applicant’s home with 2 days advanced notice to enquire
about his health and rehabilitation and keep a record of the
same in writing in the form of a report for Court’s
information if so required later;
(iii) Applicant shall not leave the country without prior
permission of the Court;
(iv) Applicant shall not influence any of the witnesses or
tamper with the evidence in any manner;
(v) Applicant shall keep the Investigating Officer informed
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of his current address and mobile contact number and / or
change of residence or mobile details, if any, from time to
time, as applicable;
(vi) Applicant shall surrender his passport with the
Investigating Officer of the concerned police station;
(vii) Applicant shall not indulge in any activity similar to the
activities on the basis of which the Applicant stands
prosecuted;
(viii) Applicant shall not try to establish communication with
any co-accused or any other person involved directly or
indirectly in similar activities, through any mode of
communication;
(ix) Any infraction of the conditions shall entail cancellation
of bail granted to the Applicant.
18. Liberty to apply for cancellation of this order to prosecution
in case of any breach of the conditions.
19. Bail Application No. 3495 of 2026 is allowed and disposed in
above terms.
[ MILIND N. JADHAV, J. ]
Ajay
Digitally signed
by AJAY
AJAY TRAMBAK
TRAMBAK UGALMUGALE
UGALMUGALE Date: 2026.09.07
11:37:34 +0530
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