Mumbai: In a ruling delivered on March 22, 2018, a Special Judge constituted under the Prevention of Corruption Act for Greater Mumbai, Shri A.S. Bhagwat (Court Room No. 45), granted bail to Ramesh Sabaji Teli, a 23-year-old Police Naik attached to Mahim Police Station. Teli, who was identified as Accused No. 2 in C.R. No. 12/18, registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Mumbai, had sought release on bail through Bail Application No. 211 of 2018.

Representing Teli, Learned Advocate Mr. Parab argued vehemently for his client’s innocence, asserting that Teli had been “falsely implicated” in the alleged offense. Mr. Parab emphasized that Teli is a serving Police Naik with a permanent residence in Mumbai, thereby negating any “possibility of the accused running away from the justice system.”

Conversely, Learned APP Mr. J.V. Desai, appearing for the State and the ACB, strongly opposed the bail plea. His primary arguments centered on the perceived “likelihood of the accused no. 2 tampering with the witness” and the fact that “further investigation in the offence is remaining.” Based on these grounds, the prosecution urged the court to reject Bail Application No. 211/18.

However, the Special Judge, after careful consideration of the submissions from both sides, made several key observations that ultimately swayed the decision in favor of granting bail. The court noted that it had previously denied the Investigating Officer’s (I.O.) request for police custody remand (PCR) for Teli, opting instead to send him to magisterial custody remand (MCR). Crucially, the court highlighted that the “voice sample of the accused no. 2 has been obtained.”

The Special Judge reasoned that the ongoing investigation, even at a primary stage, could proceed without Teli’s continued incarceration. The order explicitly stated that “The further investigation can be carried out if the accused no. 2 directed to remain present before the I.O. Further the I.O. can also investigate with the accused no. 2 during such presence.” The court concluded that “For that reasons only bail can not be denied,” and that Teli could be released on bail with appropriate conditions to safeguard the investigation.

Consequently, the court allowed Bail Application No. 211 of 2018. Ramesh Sabaji Teli was ordered to be released upon executing a personal bond (PB) and surety bond (SB) of Rs. 15,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Thousand Only) with one surety of the like amount.

To address the prosecution’s concerns and ensure cooperation with the ongoing investigation, the court imposed specific, stringent conditions on Teli’s release:

• The accused no. 2 is strictly mandated not to tamper with prosecution witnesses in any manner whatsoever.
• He is prohibited from leaving India without the prior permission of this court.
• He must remain present before the Investigating Officer for further investigation on every Saturday, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., until the charge sheet is filed.

Additionally, at the request of Teli’s advocate, the court granted a provision for cash bail. Teli was permitted to be released on executing a PB of Rs. 15,000/- and furnishing a cash bail of Rs. 15,000/- for a period of four weeks. The Registrar was directed to accept this cash bail amount.

Bail Application No. 211/18 was thus disposed of, signifying the conclusion of the bail proceedings. The order was dictated, transcribed, and signed by Special Judge A.S. Bhagwat on March 22, 2018, and subsequently uploaded on the same day at 4:15 P.M.