HC suspends gangster’s bail plea | Mumbai News

MUMBAI: Jagdish Kailash Shejav alias Dhananjay Shinde, an associate of gangster Vijay Palande, has filed a bail plea in the Bombay High Court citing his long incarceration of 12 years.

Lawyer Pranay Saraf, who is representing Shinde, argued that his client’s right to a speedy trial has been violated as he has been in custody for over 12 years without any resolution. He highlighted the prosecution’s negligence in not adhering to the court-imposed timelines, resulting in Shinde languishing in jail. Citing legal precedents, he emphasized that long incarceration without conviction, coupled with the absence of a fixed trial schedule, justifies Shinde’s release on bail.

Conversely, additional public prosecutor Rutuja Ambekar opposed the bail plea. She pointed out Shinde’s close bond with Vijay Paland and underlined that Shinde’s criminal past made him a threat to society. Ambekar argued that Shinde, who had already abused parole in 2012 to commit more crimes, should not be granted bail as he could abscond again or engage in criminal activities again.

The bench headed by Justice Manish Pitale acknowledged that Shinde’s prolonged incarceration and delays in the trial were major concerns. It expressed frustration at the prosecutor’s failure to prepare a trial schedule despite previous court orders. However, Judge Pitale also weighed the seriousness of the charges and Shinde’s history of committing violent crimes while on parole.

Recognizing the need to balance Shinde’s right to a fair and timely trial and the risks posed by his possible release, the court ultimately decided to leave the bail application pending. It ordered the prosecution to file the trial schedule by October 25, 2024, and directed the sessions court to give priority to the case. Depending on the progress of the trial, the case will be reassessed on November 27, 2024.