The High Court dismissed a bail application filed by Amol @ Pappu Popat Andhale in connection with FIR No. 392 of 2023 for offences under Sections 302, 307 read with 34 IPC. The prosecution alleged the applicant was part of a group that attacked victims with choppers, resulting in the death of Arun and injuries to others. The applicant argued no specific overt act was attributed to him and sought parity with co-accused who had been granted bail. The prosecution opposed bail, citing the calculated nature of the attack, the applicant's presence and role, and his criminal antecedents. The court applied Supreme Court guidelines on bail in serious offences, examined prima facie evidence, considered the severity of the offence, and found the applicant's involvement established. The court rejected the parity argument, noting different roles among accused persons, and denied bail, emphasizing the need for judicial discretion in heinous crimes.
The High Court of Judicature at Bombay Bench at Aurangabad dismissed a bail application in a murder case -- The applicant sought regular bail for offences under Sections 302, 307 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) -- The prosecution alleged the applicant was part of a group that assaulted victims with choppers resulting in one death -- The court considered guidelines from Supreme Court precedents including Kalyan Chandra Sarkar Vs. Rajesh Ranjan (2004)7 SCC 528, Mahipal Vs. Rajesh Kumar (AIR 2020 SC 670), and Neeru Yadav Vs. State of UP (2016)15 SCC 422 -- The court found prima facie evidence linking the applicant to the offence -- The applicant's criminal antecedents were considered -- Parity with co-accused was rejected due to different roles -- Bail was denied
The High Court dismissed the bail application, denying regular bail to the applicant
Citation: 2026 LawText (BOM) (01) 66
Case Number: Bail Application No. 2236 of 2025
Date of Decision: 2026-01-19
Case Title: Whether the applicant deserves regular bail in a murder case under Sections 302, 307 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code
Before Judge: Sachin S. Deshmukh J.
Equivalent Citations: BA No. 2236.2025
Advocate(s): Mr. Rajendrraa S. Deshmukkh a/w Ms. Meenal S. Deshmukh i/b Mr. Vishal A. Chavan, Mr. C. V. Bhadane
Appellant: Amol @ Pappu Popat Andhale
Respondent: The State of Maharashtra
Nature of Litigation: Bail application in a criminal case involving charges of murder and attempt to murder
Remedy Sought: The applicant sought regular bail from the High Court
Filing Reason: The applicant was arrested in connection with FIR No. 392 of 2023 for offences under Sections 302, 307 read with 34 IPC and sought release on bail
Previous Decisions: Co-accused Pravin @ Dodhya Premraj Sirsale and Ashok Mahadu Rathod had been granted bail by the High Court
Issues: Whether the applicant is entitled to bail based on lack of specific overt acts and parity with co-accused Whether prima facie evidence establishes the applicant's involvement in the offence
Submissions/Arguments: Applicant's counsel argued no specific overt act was attributed to the applicant in the FIR, mere presence does not establish common object, and parity with co-accused who were granted bail should apply Prosecution argued the incident was a calculated ambush, the applicant's presence confirmed active role, he was part of an armed group, and criminal antecedents existed, opposing bail
Ratio Decidendi: Bail in serious offences like murder requires judicious exercise of discretion considering prima facie evidence, nature of accusation, severity of punishment, and criminal antecedents; mere presence can imply common object under Section 34 IPC if part of an armed group; parity in bail requires similar roles and circumstances, not automatic application
Judgment Excerpts: The law in regard to grant or refusal of bail is very well settled. The court granting bail should exercise its discretion in a judicious manner and not as a matter of course Bail can be refused when the material produced by prosecution establishes a clear prima facie case The Courts must not casually ignore the ‘criminal antecedents’ of the accused and must remain vigilant in heinous offences
Procedural History: FIR registered on 10.12.2023 for offences under Sections 302, 307 read with 34 IPC -- Investigation completed and charge-sheet filed -- Bail application filed in High Court -- Hearing conducted on 19.01.2026 -- Order passed dismissing bail application
