Advocate Merely Allowed Office For Meeting, Did Not Play Major Role In Alleged Forex Fraud: Bombay High Court Grants interim Protection

 Although learned APP has pointed out that there are allegations in the FIR itself which shows that this applicant has allowed her office to be used for the purpose of meeting, it has to be noted that there is no material to show that this applicant was aware about the nature of meeting to be held. {Para 4} 

5) Considering the fact that the only allegation against this applicant about granting permission to use her office, it prima facie appears that she has not played any major role in the alleged offence. Further considering the fact that charge-sheet is already filed and there is no question of recovery from this applicant, her custody need not be insisted. The presence of this applicant can be secured by directing her to join the investigation and attend the police station.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO. 2577/2026

SANGITA JAGANNATH SHETE  VS THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA 

CORAM : PRAFULLA S. KHUBALKAR, J.

DATE : 11TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

1) Heard learned counsel for the applicant as well as learned

APP for the respondent – State.

2) The applicant has filed the instant application seeking

pre-arrest bail in connection with the FIR No. 347 of 2025 registered

with N.R.I. Sagari Police Station, District Navi Mumbai for the offence punishable under Sections 318(4), 316(2), 336(2), 336(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

3) Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the offence

is registered against several other persons including this applicant, on

the basis of the allegations that the main accused person has failed to

supply US dollars to the complainant even after receiving an amount

of Rs. 42,50,000/-. He submits that the only allegation against this

applicant, who is a lady advocate, is that she has allowed her office to be used for the purpose of holding some meeting by the other accused persons. He also submits that the investigation in the matter is complete and the charge-sheet is filed against the other accused persons. He states that there are no criminal antecedents against this applicant and she is ready to join the investigation.

4) Although learned APP has pointed out that there are allegations in the FIR itself which shows that this applicant has allowed her office to be used for the purpose of meeting, it has to be noted that there is no material to show that this applicant was aware about the nature of meeting to be held.

5) Considering the fact that the only allegation against this applicant about granting permission to use her office, it prima facie appears that she has not played any major role in the alleged offence. Further considering the fact that charge-sheet is already filed and there is no question of recovery from this applicant, her custody need not be insisted. The presence of this applicant can be secured by directing her to join the investigation and attend the police station.

6) Accordingly, it is directed that the applicant shall attend the police station on Monday - 21st September, 2026 in between 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. and thereafter as and when called upon by the Investigating Agency. Subject to these conditions, the applicant shall not be arrested till next date.

7) List the matter for further consideration on 5th October,

2026, along with Anticipatory Bail Application No. 1244 of 2026.

[PRAFULLA S. KHUBALKAR, J.]