Authority: High Court of Judicature at Bombay

Order Date: 13 October 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Applicant Chandrakant Vishwambhar Ambilwade (ex‑officer, Maharashtra State Electricity Board, retired 13‑09‑2017, now practising advocate) vs. Respondents State of Maharashtra & Anr.
  • Nature of proceeding: Criminal Application No. 1266 of 2022 seeking quash of FIR and chargesheet filed under Sections 3(1)(q), (r), (s) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
  • Incident alleged: On 06‑10‑2021, applicant purportedly confronted complainant (a Scheduled Tribe employee) outside his cabin at MSEB headquarters, Mumbai, and abused him on caste grounds at about 06:15 p.m.; complainant’s Deputy/Junior witnessed.
  • FIR registration: 01‑11‑2021 (over three weeks after alleged incident).
  • Prior history: Applicant filed two corruption complaints against the complainant on 02‑02‑2021 and 13‑03‑2021 and held a press conference alleging the complainant’s arrest and judicial custody.
  • Legal submissions: Applicant argued lack of prima facie evidence, age (67), doctorate, anticipatory bail, and that CCTV footage and pen‑drive recordings (covering 18:00‑18:45) show no presence of applicant at the site. Respondent argued continuous harassment by applicant, multiple PILs, and that the Deputy’s testimony identifies applicant.
  • Court’s reference: Cited Bhajan Lal categories of cases where quashing may be exercised, emphasizing need for prima facie material and noting possible mala‑fide prosecution.

Final Outcome

  • The Court held that the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient; CCTV footage does not show applicant’s presence; the complaint appears malicious and driven by personal animosity.
  • Criminal Application No. 1266 of 2026 is allowed in terms of prayer clause (a).
  • FIR No. C.R. No. 81 of 2021 dated 01‑11‑2021 and the consequent chargesheet are quashed and set aside.
  • Criminal Application No. 1266 of 2022 is allowed and disposed.

Topics: Quashing of Criminal Proceedings, SC/ST Act, Court Procedure