The Bombay High Court stepped in to grant interim protection from arrest to a 31-year-old man whose anticipatory bail plea is still pending before a Pune sessions court. The court took note of his upcoming marriage and directed the police not to take coercive action until the lower court decides his application.
Background of the Case
The case arises from FIR No. 0091 of 2026, registered on April 14, 2026, at Vartak Nanded City Police Station in Pune. The applicant, Pratik Ramchandra Gogawale, is accused under Sections 351(2), 64(2)(m), and 74 of the Indian Penal Code.
Apprehending arrest, the applicant had already moved an anticipatory bail application before the Special Judge under the POCSO Act in Pune. While the Special Court issued notice to the State and the complainant, it declined to grant interim relief at that stage. The matter was then adjourned to April 30, 2026.
Faced with the possibility of arrest before his wedding scheduled for May 4, 2026, the applicant approached the High Court seeking urgent interim protection.
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Advocate Piyush Toshnival, appearing for the applicant, emphasized the urgency of the matter. He informed the court that all arrangements for the applicant’s wedding had already been completed and any arrest at this stage would cause serious prejudice.
He further argued that the complainant was aware of the wedding date and might attempt to delay proceedings before the Special Court. Referring to documents on record, the counsel submitted that the dispute between the parties had earlier been settled and alleged that the FIR was filed with mala fide intent.
On the other hand, Additional Public Prosecutor Pallavi Dabholkar opposed the plea, arguing that since the anticipatory bail application was already pending before the Special Judge, the High Court should not intervene. She urged that the applicant be directed to pursue relief before the appropriate forum.
Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe acknowledged that ordinarily, when a bail application is pending before a competent court, the High Court would refrain from intervening. However, the court found the circumstances in this case to be exceptional.
“The circumstances stated by the Applicant… are compelling to entertain this Application,” the bench noted.
The court also examined the FIR and observed that the allegations appeared to stem from a relationship between the applicant and the complainant dating back to 2018. The complaint, however, was lodged only in April 2026.
“The case put forth in the impugned FIR appears to be a relationship that has turned sour,” the court observed, clarifying that these findings were only prima facie.
Taking into account the imminent marriage and the pending bail application, the High Court directed the Investigating Officer not to take any precipitative steps against the applicant until the anticipatory bail application is decided by the Special Judge.
The court further requested the Special Court to dispose of the pending bail plea expeditiously, preferably within two weeks from April 30, 2026, after giving all parties an opportunity to be heard.
It was also clarified that the observations made by the High Court are preliminary and should not influence the merits of the case before the Special Judge.
With these directions, the anticipatory bail application before the High Court was disposed of.
Case Details
Case Title: Pratik Ramchandra Gogawale v. State of Maharashtra
Case Number: Anticipatory Bail Application No. 1169 of 2026
Judge: Justice Ashwin D. Bhobe
Decision Date: April 29, 2026
