Bombay High Court
AANAND @ SNEHJEET NAMDEV PANCHAMUKHversusSTATE OF MAHARASHTRA
- Decided
- Disposal
- Disposed Off
- Bench
- SHIVKUMAR DIGE
Holding
The court held that, on the principle of parity and the applicant's prolonged pre‑trial detention, bail must be granted despite the seriousness of the offences, subject to conditions.
Summary
The applicant, Aanand @ Snehjeet Namdev Panchamukh, was charged with murder, rioting and arms offences arising from a 2019 incident. He had been in custody for over six years while co‑accused of similar charges were released on bail. The prosecution argued motive, eyewitnesses and risk of tampering, whereas the defence highlighted the applicant’s lack of antecedents and the principle of parity. The court examined the charge‑sheet, noted that only two prosecution witnesses had been examined and that the applicant’s prolonged detention was disproportionate. Applying the parity principle and considering the applicant’s right to a speedy trial, the court granted bail with a cash bond and conditions to prevent witness interference. The trial court was directed to continue the trial on its merits.
Issues considered
- Whether bail should be granted to an accused of murder, rioting and arms offences after prolonged pre‑trial detention
- Whether the risk of absconding or tampering with witnesses outweighs the principle of parity with co‑accused released on bail
Legislation cited
- Arms Act — s. 25, 4
- Indian Penal Code, 1860 — s. 143, 147, 149, 302
- Maharashtra Police Act — s. 135, 37(1)
Subjects
- bail
- murder
- pre‑trial detention
- parity principle
- witness tampering
- criminal procedure
Judgment
20-BA-4000-2025.doc
N.S.Kamble
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 4000 OF 2025
Aanand @ Snehjeet Namdev Panchamukh … Applicant
Versus
State Of Maharashtra … Respondent
Digitally signed
NILAM by NILAM
SANTOSH
________________________________________________________
SANTOSH KAMBLE
KAMBLE Date: 2026.01.20
11:31:04 +0530
Mr.Chaitanya Mulawkar a/w Mr.Nilesh Waghmode, for the Applicant.
Mr.B.B. Kulkarni, APP for Respondent-State.
________________________________________________________
CORAM : SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.
DATE : 17th JANUARY, 2026
P.C. :
. By this Application, Applicant is seeking regular bail in
Crime No.393 of 2019 registered with Vishrantwadi Police Station,
Pune, for the offences punishable under Sections 302, 143, 147 and
149. of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (‘IPC’ for short), Sections 4 and
25 of the Arms Act, Section 37(1) read with Section 135 of the
Maharashtra Police Act.
2. It is prosecution’s case that, on 8th December 2019 around
8.40 p.m., the Applicant and co-accused murdered the deceased by
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N.S.Kamble
assaulting him with stone and sharp weapon. It is alleged that the
Applicant had motive to kill the deceased as he had land dispute with
the deceased.
3. It is contention of learned counsel for the Applicant that the
Applicant is behind bars for more than 6 years. There is no progress in
the trial. All co-accused having similar allegations have been released
on bail except the Applicant. The Applicant has no antecedents. It
may take time to conclude the trial, and requested to allow the
Application.
4. It is contention of learned APP that the Applicant had
motive to kill the deceased as he had financial dispute with the
deceased. There are eye witnesses to the incident. The Trial is in
progress. Two prosecution witnesses have been examined. There is
recovery of sickle at the instance of the Applicant. If Applicant
released on bail, he may abscond or threaten prosecution witnesses.
Hence, requested to reject the Application.
5. I have heard both learned counsel. Perused charge-sheet and
documents produced on record.
6. There are total six accused in present crime. Five accused
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having similar allegations like the Applicant have been released on bail
except the Applicant. The Applicant is behind bars for more than six
years and one month. Though only two witnesses have been examined,
co-accused having similar allegations have been released on bail. Hence,
the Applicant is entitled for bail on principle of parity and I pass
following order.
ORDER
(i) The Applicant-Aanand @ Snehjeet Namdev
Panchamukh, be released on bail in Crime No.393 of 2019
registered with Vishrantwadi Police Station, Pune, 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 concerned Police
Station as and when required.
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N.S.Kamble
(v) Application is allowed in the aforesaid terms.
(SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)
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