Dr. Surendra Manjrekar Vs State of Maharashtra (Bombay High Court)
IN this case F.I.R. itself shows that the deceased was taking treatment for his stress management. He was disturbed and in the disturbed state of mind he had committed suicide. So, there is possibility that his commission of suicide was a result of his mental state. Though, there are allegations that he was disturbed because of stress in the company, the company was entitled to carry its business in the manner that was in the best interest of the company. That by itself would not mean that the bigger targets were given and meeting was arranged, so that the deceased would commit suicide. The only serious allegation in the F.I.R. is about the applicant threatening the deceased about his prospects in career. Effect of such treats will be a matter of trial based on the evidence led before the court. Today, I am only deciding the question whether the applicant’s custodial interrogation in this background is necessary. The applicant is 71 years of age. It is doubtful whether the offence U/s.306 r/w. S.107 of IPC is made out. The main allegations are about the company setting big targets, not granting leave and not accepting the resignation. These acts would be in the normal course of business. The deceased was earning Rs.1,35,000/-p.m. He was working with the company since the year 2001. The company had not stopped his salary, even during the period of lockdown, as submitted by learned senior counsel. All these factors also need to be taken into consideration. Therefore, in my opinion, the applicant has made out a case for grant of anticipatory bail order in his favour. It is made clear that these observations are restricted to passing of this order and the trial court shall decide the trial on its own merits on the basis of the evidence led before it.
Hence, In the event of his arrest in connection with Station, the applicant is directed to be released on bail on his furnishing P. R. bond in the sum of Rs.30,000/- (Rupees Thirty Thousand Only) with one or two sureties in the like amount.
