Bombay High Court Allows Muslim Man Convicted For Electricity Theft To Do Haj Yatra

The Bombay High Court has allowed a Muslim Man convicted of electricity theft to take Haj pilgrim noting the appeal is pending against the conviction since 2016.

The Court was considering an application for permission to travel abroad for a pious pilgrimage, filed in an appeal against the Judgement passed in the case for commission of offence under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act.

The Single Bench of Justice Abhay Waghwase observed, "In view of the grounds raised in the application, and as appeal is of the year 2016, and there is no immediate chance of appeal being taken for hearing, for religious purpose, application deserves to be allowed."

The Applicant was represented by Advocate Joydeep Chatterji while the Respondent was represented by Additional Public Prosecutor S.S. Dande.

Counsel for the Applicant submitted his appeal has been admitted and that since it is of the year 2016, there are no prospects of appeal being taken earlier. He submitted that he intends to go for Haj Pilgrimage, which is compulsory in his religion.

The Court directed that appellant should furnish his undertaking of not misusing the liberty and should supply details and itinerary of his journey, tickets and its dates, details of airlines, details of accommodation at Saudi Arabia, and also furnish details of the properties owned by him to the concerned police station and the Court, prior to his proposed pilgrimage. The Application was accordingly allowed.

Cause Title: Rahim Khan Sandu Khan vs. The State of Maharashtra (2025:BHC-AUG:54940)

Appearances:

Applicant- Advocate Joydeep Chatterji

Respondent- Additional Public Prosecutor S.S. Dande, Standing Counsel Sudha Chintamani

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