Vishal Ashokrao Balbel vs State Of Mah. Thr. Pso Ps Badnera Tq. And ...

ik-58262469 Bombay High Court 6 March 2026 • CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 117 • 13 min read

Judges (1)

Counsel (5)

A.S. Mishrikotkar Counsel Respondent M.N. Ali Counsel Appellant P.L. Dhavsel Counsel Appellant Shahrukh Ahemad Counsel Appellant U.R. Phasate Counsel Respondent

Parties (2)

State of Maharashtra Respondent Vishal Ashokrao Balbel Appellant

Case Significance

Vishal Ashokrao Balbel vs State Of Mah. Thr. Pso Ps Badnera Tq. And ... is a Bombay High Court decision dated March 6, 2026 (citation: ik-58262469). The appellant was convicted under Sections 363 and 376AB IPC and Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act for offences against a minor. On appeal, the Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) found the prosecution evidence insufficient to establish the charge beyond reasonable doubt, noting the defence was not improbable. The conviction and sentence were quashed and set aside, and the appellant was acquitted. The case was heard by Justice Neeraj P. Dhote. Counsel appearing: A.S. Mishrikotkar (counsel for respondent), M.N. Ali (counsel for appellant), P.L. Dhavsel (counsel for appellant), Shahrukh Ahemad (counsel for appellant), U.R. Phasate (counsel for respondent).

Summary

The appellant was convicted under Sections 363 and 376AB IPC and Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act for offences against a minor. On appeal, the Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) found the prosecution evidence insufficient to establish the charge beyond reasonable doubt, noting the defence was not improbable. The conviction and sentence were quashed and set aside, and the appellant was acquitted.

What was the outcome of Vishal Ashokrao Balbel vs State Of Mah. Thr. Pso Ps Badnera Tq. And ...?

Judgment

Read the full judgment on the official India Courts portal.

Read on Indian Kanoon

Source: Indian Kanoon (ik-58262469)