1 of 2 8-ALS-28-2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPLICATION NO. 28 OF 2026 (For Leave to file an Appeal) The State Of Maharashtra ..Applicant Versus Sumit Navinchandra Karodiya & Anr. ..Respondents __________ Ms. Supriya Kak, APP for the Applicant/State. Mr. Anil Lalla a/w Mr. Yash Pulekar, Ms. Vaishnavi Angari for Respondent No.1. None for Respondent No.2. __________ CORAM : SARANG V. KOTWAL & RANJITSINHA RAJA BHONSALE, JJ. DATE : 17 AUGUST 2026 PC : 1. Heard. 2. Perused the impugned Judgment and the copies of evidence annexed to the Application, and in particular, the evidence of the two victims. 3. Arguable questions are raised. Hence, the following Order:- (i) Leave is granted to prefer an Appeal against the supriya SUPRIYA PRAMOD JAWARE Digitally signed by SUPRIYA PRAMOD JAWARE Date: 2026.08.17 18:18:32 +0530 2 of 2 8-ALS-28-2026 Judgment and Order of acquittal passed by the Additional Sessions Judge-4 and Special Judge under POCSO Act, Thane, vide Judgment and Order dated 4th February 2025 in Special (P) Case No. 234 of 2022. (ii) Appeal is admitted. (iii) Call for record and proceedings with paper books. (iv) Action be taken under Section 431 of BNSS by the Trial Court by granting bail pending this Appeal to the Respondent No.1 to its satisfaction to ensure his availability during pendency of this Appeal. (v) Hearing be expedited. (RANJITSINHA RAJA BHONSALE, J.) (SARANG V. KOTWAL, J.)