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2026 Supreme(Online)(SC) 989
SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
Sanjay Karol, Augustine George Masih, JJ
PIYUSH SANTOSH DHABBU – Appellant
Versus
THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA – Respondent
Criminal Appeal No(s). of 2026 | SLP (Crl.) No(s). 952 of 2026
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Sachin Jaysing Patil, Umesh H. Pawar, Geo Joseph, Risvi Muhammed, Vishnu Priya, Sachin Patil
For the Respondents: Aaditya Aniruddha Pande, Siddharth Dharmadhikari, Shrirang B. Varma, Bharat Bagla, Sourav Singh, Aditya Krishna, Adarsh Dubey, Chitransha Singh Sikarwar
Anticipatory bail may be granted or confirmed when the accused demonstrates full cooperation with the investigation, adheres to interim conditions, and does not attempt to influence witnesses or the investigative process.
Headnote:The appellant challenged the judgment and order dated 12.01.2026 passed by the High Court of Judicature Circuit Bench at Kohlapur in Anticipatory Bail Application No. 2339 of 2025, which had denied anticipatory bail. The Supreme Court had previously granted interim protection on 19.01.2026, directing the petitioner to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the Investigating Officer. The primary issue was whether the appellant's conduct during the investigation warranted the grant of anticipatory bail. The Court observed that the conditions of the interim order were fully complied with, the appellant cooperated during the investigation, and there was no evidence of witness intimidation or influence over the investigation. The appeal was allowed, the order of the High Court was set aside, and the interim order dated 19.01.2026 was confirmed, subject to continued cooperation and periodic reporting to the Investigating Officer.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. procedural history regarding the challenge to the high court's denial of anticipatory bail and the granting of interim protection. (Para 1 , 2 , 3) |
| 2. assessment of the accused's conduct, focusing on cooperation with the investigation and lack of witness interference. (Para 4 , 5 , 6) |
| 3. confirmation of bail subject to continued cooperation and the setting aside of the lower court's adverse order. (Para 7 , 8 , 9 , 10) |
O R D E R
1. Leave granted.
2. The appellant challenges the judgment and order dated 12.01.2026 in Anticipatory Bail Application No. 2339 of 2025, titled “Piyush Santosh Dhabbu Vs. The State of Maharashtra”, passed by the High Court of Judicature Circuit Bench at Kohlapur.
3. On 19.01.2026, this Court passed the following order:-
“1. Mr. Aaditya Aniruddha Pand, learned counsel, enters appearance on behalf of the respondent-State of Maharashtra and accepts notice. Hence, the formal service of notice on the respondent is waived.
2. Let counter affidavit be filed within two weeks. Rejoinder affidavit thereto, if any, be filed before the next date of listing.
3. List on 27.02.2026.
Signature Not Verified
Digitally signed by RAJNI MUKHI
Date: 2026.03.09
18:11:29 IST Reason:
4. In the event of arrest in connection with Crime No.333 of 2025 of Islampur Police Station, Sangli District, Maharashtra, the petitioner shall be released on bail on the appropriate terms and conditions as may be fixed by the Investigating Officer/Arresting Officer.
5. The petitioner shall make himself available before the Investigating Officer on 31.01.2026 at 10:00 a.m. and on all such dates as he be required.
6. Needless to add, till the investigation is not complete in all respects, the petitioner would fully cooperate, and if the challan/charge sheet is filed, he would maintain good conduct and not attempt to influence any of the witnesses in any manner till the completion of the trial.”
4. We have heard learned counsel for the parties and also perused the materials available on record.
5. It is not in dispute that the conditions stand fully complied with; the appellant has cooperated during the investigation; he has not threatened or intimidated any of the witnesses; or has tried to influence the investigation in any manner.
6. We have noticed the nature of crime and the manner in which it was allegedly committed.
7. We allow the present appeal by confirming the order dated 19.01.2026, passed by this Court, with a direction to the appellant to continue to cooperate during the investigation/trial and not to take any unnecessary adjournment. Also, the appellant shall report before the Investigating Officer every alternate Monday, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., till such time the investigation is complete in all respects.
8. If the Investigating Officer/Arresting Officer/Trial Court feels that the investigation/trial is delayed on account of the appellant’s conduct, it shall be open to the Investigating Officer/Arresting Officer/Trial Court to take appropriate steps in accordance with the law, including cancellation of bail.
9. The impugned judgment and order dated 12.01.2026 passed by the High Court of Judicature Circuit Bench at Kohlapur is set aside.
10. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.
ITEM NO.6 COURT NO.11 SECTION II-A
S U P R E M E C O U R T O F I N D I A
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No(s). 952/2026
[Arising out of impugned final judgment and order dated 12-01-2026 in ABA No. 2339/2025 passed by the High Court Of Judicature Circuit Bench At Kolhapur]
PIYUSH SANTOSH DHABBU Petitioner(s)
VERSUS
THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA Respondent(s)
(IA No. 15905/2026 - EXEMPTION FROM FILING C/C OF THE IMPUGNED JUDGMENT AND IA No. 15906/2026 - EXEMPTION FROM FILING O.T.)
Date : 27-02-2026 This matter was called on for hearing today.
CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY KAROL
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AUGUSTINE GEORGE MASIH
For Petitioner(s) :Mr. Sachin Jaysing Patil, Adv.
Mr. Umesh H. Pawar,
