The court of Judicial Magistrate First Class Alisha C Bagal in Pune on Tuesday granted bail to Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) spokesperson Vikas Lawande. The case pertains to alleged objectionable remarks made against saints and religious figures associated with the Warkari sect. The matter was registered at the Wagholi police station.
Court Observations
The court noted that the investigation was underway and that the offences invoked are triable by the magistrate court. It further observed, “Accused is remanded in magisterial remand custody. It prima facie appears that the investigation is on the verge of completion. None of the offences are punishable for more than three years.”
Arrest and Arguments
Lavande was arrested on May 21 and sent to magisterial custody remand (MCR) on May 22. During the hearing, his counsel Milind Pawar argued that Lawande was falsely implicated and his arrest was illegal as he was not served a notice under section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Pawar also contended that the investigation was already completed, so there was no further need to detain his client in jail.
The prosecution opposed the bail plea, contending that the offence was serious and alleging that the accused could influence witnesses or hurt religious sentiments if released. The investigating officer also sought rejection of the application.
Bail Conditions
After hearing both sides, the court observed that no useful purpose would be served by keeping the accused in custody for a longer period. The order further stated that stringent conditions could address the prosecution’s apprehensions regarding tampering with evidence or repetition of similar acts. The court directed that Lavande be released on a personal bond of Rs 30,000 along with a surety of the same amount.
Background
Lawande was allegedly attacked with black ink in Pune on May 9 for his comments on the Warkari sect. The video of the incident was widely shared on social media.
