Mumbai, October 21, 2022 – In an empathetic decision, the Special Court constituted for MCOCA/TADA/POTA cases in Greater Bombay, presided over by His Honour Special Judge Shri A.M. Patil, has partially allowed a temporary bail application filed by Altaf s/o. Gafurbhai Patel, accused no. 4 in R.A. No. 909 of 2022. The court’s order, issued today, directs the authorities to facilitate Patel’s attendance at a Visa office to support his daughter’s participation in an international sporting event.

Altaf Patel, aged 43, a businessman from Surat, Gujarat, who is currently lodged in Lajpore Central Prison, Surat, sought temporary bail on compassionate grounds. His application, Bail Application (MCOCA) No. 671 of 2022, stated that his daughter, Naaz Altaf Patel, has been selected by the KIFI ASSOCIATION-KUDO INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION INDIA to represent India at the Kudo Asia Cup, 2022, to be held in Sendai, Japan, from November 10 to November 17, 2022. As her father, Altaf Patel requested temporary release to physically attend the Visa office and arrange for the necessary expenses for his daughter’s trip.

The applicant is facing serious charges under Sections 387, 120B, 506(ii) read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 3 and 25 of the Indian Arms Act, and Sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2), and 3(4) of the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act, 1999 (MCOC Act). These charges stem from Crime No. 900/2022 registered at Pydhonie Police Station, initiated at the instance of the DCB CID, Anti Extortion Cell. It was also noted that Patel is in jail in Gujarat for an offense punishable under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime Act, 2015.

Special Public Prosecutor Mr. S.D. Gonsalves, representing the State, strongly opposed the bail application, citing the serious nature of the offense and expressing concerns about the possibility of the accused fleeing if granted bail.

After perusing the application, the State’s response, and an order passed by the Hon’ble Sessions Judge at Surat dated October 15, 2022, Judge A.M. Patil considered the specific grounds put forth by the applicant. The court acknowledged the necessity for the applicant to attend the Visa office and arrange for expenses to support his daughter’s international representation.

Consequently, the court issued the following directives:

• Criminal Bail Application No. 671 of 2022 is partly allowed.
• The Jail Superintendent, Lajpore Central Prison, Surat, Gujarat, is directed to arrange a Police Escort to take Altaf Patel to the Visa office on October 23, 2022, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and again on October 24, 2022, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• The applicant/accused shall incur all expenses for the police surveillance (Police Japta).
• A formal letter regarding this order is to be issued to the said Jail by hand and by email.
• The Criminal Bail Application No. 671 of 2022 stands disposed of accordingly.

This decision reflects a humanitarian approach by the court, balancing the gravity of the charges against the accused with the importance of a parent’s role in their child’s significant achievements, while ensuring strict supervision. The order was dictated, typed, and signed on October 21, 2022, and subsequently uploaded on the same day.