The Supreme Court of India on January 7 granted anticipatory bail to an overseas Indian IT professional accused in a Pune-based criminal case, overturning an earlier refusal by the Bombay High Court. The top court also put on hold multiple coercive steps taken against him.
Background of the Case
The appellant, Praveen Manik Kadam, faced arrest in connection with FIR No. 56 of 2025 registered at Lonavala City police station. The case invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 66E of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
After the High Court rejected his plea for anticipatory bail in October 2025, Kadam approached the Supreme Court. He argued that the complaint stemmed from a failed consensual relationship and that he was falsely implicated.
Court Observations
A Bench of Justice B. V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan noted that interim protection had already been granted in November 2025.
“The appellant is entitled to the relief claimed,” the Bench observed, adding that the facts justified protection from arrest despite the State pointing to lookout notices and other measures.
Decision
Allowing the appeal, the Court set aside the Bombay High Court’s order. It directed that if arrested, Kadam must be released on bail on furnishing ₹25,000 cash security with two sureties.
The Court also ordered that lookout notices, a blue corner notice, and the proclamation declaring him a proclaimed offender be kept in abeyance. Kadam was directed to cooperate with the investigation, with prior intimation to enable travel from London if required.
Case Title: Praveen Manik Kadam v. State of Maharashtra & Anr.
