Order 220926aba777.26 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY, NAGPUR BENCH, NAGPUR. CRIMINAL APPLICATION [ABA] NO.777/2026. Chandan Ashok Zaa -VERSUS- State of Maharashtra Office notes, Office Memoranda of Coram, appearances, Court's orders Court’s or Judge’s Orders or directions and Registrar’s orders. Shri U.Y. Sonkusare, Advocate for the Applicant. Shri H.D. Marathe, A.P.P. for the Non-applicant/State. CORAM : M.M. NERLIKAR , J. DATE : SEPTEMBER 22, 2026. Heard learned Counsel for the parties. 2. The applicant is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.223/2026 registered with M.I.D.C. Police Station, Nagpur, for the offences punishable under Sections 118[1], 296, 115[2], 351[3], 324[2] and 3[5] of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) and Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act. This Court by order dated 31.08.2026 while issuing notice, has granted interim protection to the applicant. 3. The learned Counsel for the applicant submits Rgd. 2026:BHC-NAG:12540 Order 220926aba777.26 2 that the allegations against the applicant are that he has assaulted the informant by fist and kicks blows, however, his name does not figure in the first information report. One Baby Rajbhar has assaulted the informant, so also she has assaulted Vishesh Ram with the help of a knife. The learned Counsel further submits that this Court by order dated 31.08.2026 has granted interim protection to the applicant, and in view of that the applicant has cooperated with the investigating agency by attending the police station. He submits that as name of applicant is not mentioned in the first information report, however, during investigation it transpired that he was also involved in the assault by fist and kicks blows to the informant and other injured persons. Therefore, considering the nature of allegations, the applicant deserves to be granted anticipatory bail. 4. On the other hand the learned A.P.P. vehemently opposed the application by contending that though Baby has inflicted knife blows to Vishesh Ram, but, the fact remains that all the 9 accused persons have formed an unlawful assembly and committed the aforesaid offence. It is submitted that the role of applicant cannot be separated from other accused persons. He further submits that considering the seriousness of the offence, and the injuries sustained by Rgd. Order 220926aba777.26 3 Vishesh Ram and informant, the applicant does not deserves to be granted anticipatory bail. 5. I have considered the submissions canvassed by both the sides. This Court by order dated 31.08.2026 has granted interim protection to the applicant. Not only that even other co-accused persons namely – Chandrashekhar Yadav, Sadhu Rajbhar, Balwant Rajbhar and Shravan Rajbhar have been granted anticipatory bail vide orders passed in Criminal Application Nos.379 and 521 of 2026 on 08.07.2026. Thus, considering the above facts and circumstances, I am of the considered opinion that the interim protection granted in favour of the applicant needs to be confirmed, hence, the following order. 6. The interim protection granted to the applicant Chandan Ashok Zaa vide order dated 31.08.2026 is hereby confirmed on the same terms and conditions. 7. Criminal Application is accordingly allowed and disposed of. 8. Misc. Applications, if any, also stands disposed of. JUDGE Rgd. Signed by: R.G. Dhuriya (RGD) Designation: Senior Pvt. Secretary Date: 22/09/2026 18:33:13