LAXMICHAND ADKANE Vs. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is the first bail application filed under Sec. 439 of Cr.P.C. on b ehalf of applicant for grant of regular bail relating to FIR No/Crime No.158/2024, registered at Police Station Lalburra District Balaghat (M.P.) for the offence punishable under Ss. 294, 506 of the Indian Penal Code and Ss. 3 and 5 of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021.

(2.) . Learned counsel appearing for applicant submitted that complainant Romlal Gautam had submitted a written complaint to the police station that applicant was alluring him for food grains and money etc. and doing other type of mental activities to convert him from Hindu to Christianity. Otherwise if complainant does not convert he will meet with different type of sorrows and disease and threatened him also, therefore, villagers are fearing. He further submitted permission was obtained from police and SDO to the applicant for religious gathering. He submitted that false case has been registered against the applicant by the police. He submitted that holding religious programme is not an offence and permission was sought to conduct spiritual congregation programme for two days. He submitted that other co-accused persons have been enlarged on bail vide order dtd. 3/7/2023 passed in M.Cr.C.No. 27555/2023 by co-ordinate Bench of this Court. He submitted that in another matter arising out of the order dtd. 13/2/2024 passed in M.Cr.C.No. 51731/2023 by the Coordinate Bench of this Court, applicant had approached the Hon'ble Apex Court and Hon'ble Apex Court has granted regular bail to the applicant dtd. 6/5/2024 in Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No. 6070/2024.

(3.) It is further submitted that in the present case after the complaint was made by Romlal Gautam to Police on the next day, applicant again threatened the complainant to withdraw the FIR otherwise he will see and kill him. Applicant is in jail since 21/3/2024. In these circumstances, applicant may be enlarged on bail.