Sagar Tatyarama Gorkhe and Co-Accused Released on Bail, Ordered to Comply with Stringent Conditions by Court
In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has granted bail to Sagar Tatyarama Gorkhe and his co-accused in Special Case No. 414 of 2020, originally registered under C.R. No. 4 of 2018 at Vishrambaug Police Station, Pune. The case, which was later taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has garnered considerable attention due to its implications and the nature of charges involved.
The division bench comprising Justices A.S. Gadkari and Shyam C. Chandak allowed the bail application of the appellants, reversing the earlier order dated February 14, 2022. The court has imposed several stringent conditions for their release, emphasizing the need for compliance to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.
The appellants, accused in a case involving serious allegations, are required to execute a personal recognizance (P.R.) bond of Rs. 1,00,000 each. In addition, they must provide one or more solvent local sureties to cover the bond amount. The court has also mandated the surrender of their passports, if available, and the provision of their contact details to the NIA and the trial court.
In a bid to ensure accountability and prevent any potential interference with the judicial process, the court has ordered the appellants to report to the NIA office in Mumbai on the first Monday of each month. This requirement will remain in place until the conclusion of the trial. Furthermore, the appellants are restricted from leaving the territorial jurisdiction of the court without prior permission from the Special Judge, NIA, City Civil and Sessions Court, Greater Mumbai.
The court has underscored the importance of attending all trial dates, except in cases of medical emergencies, and strictly prohibited any tampering with prosecution witnesses or evidence. Non-compliance with these conditions could result in the revocation of the bail granted.
This judgment marks a critical juncture in the ongoing legal proceedings, reflecting the court’s balanced approach in addressing the rights of the accused while safeguarding the judicial process. The legal community and public alike will closely observe the unfolding of events in this high-profile case.
Bottom Line:
Bail granted to appellants subject to conditions including personal bond, local sureties, surrender of passport, provision of contact details, regular attendance at NIA office, and restriction on leaving the territorial jurisdiction without prior permission.
Statutory provision(s): Personal Recognizance Bond, National Investigation Agency Act, Bail Conditions, Territorial Jurisdiction
Sagar Tatyarama Gorkhe v. State of Maharashtra, (Bombay)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2843492
