Charlewar Associates Secures Anticipatory Bail in Abetment of Suicide Case Under New Criminal Law Regime
Charlewar Associates successfully secured anticipatory bail for two professionals—Ashok Ramnath Yadav, a film director based in Mumbai, and Pallavi Mangesh Majgar, an artist—in a sensitive case involving allegations of abetment of suicide.
Case Insight: Ashok Yadav & Pallavi Majgar v. State of Maharashtra Order Date: 18th June 2025 Court: Additional Sessions Court, Nagpur Defense Counsel: Advocate Ishwar S. Charlewar, Charlewar Associates Overview Charlewar Associates successfully secured anticipatory bail for two professionals—Ashok Ramnath Yadav, a film director based in Mumbai, and Pallavi Mangesh Majgar, an artist—in a sensitive case involving allegations of abetment of suicide. The case, registered as Crime No. 245/2025 at Dhantoli Police Station, Nagpur, was among the first to be handled under the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Background: The Allegations The incident stems from the tragic suicide of Ashish Arun Ubale, whose death on 17th May 2025 led to a criminal investigation under the new legal codes. The police alleged that Mr. Ubale was subjected to psychological pressure via a WhatsApp group titled “64 Payment Dispute.” Key allegations included: Abusive and threatening messages demanding repayment of dues. A WhatsApp message from the deceased referencing “mental torture.” Digital traces pointing to a group conversation involving 14 members, including the applicants. The prosecution argued that these interactions created a hostile environment that may have contributed to the deceased’s emotional state. Defense Counsel’s Response Represented by Adv. Ishwar S. Charlewar, the applicants sought protection from arrest under Section 482 of BNSS, citing the following: Lack of direct provocation or intent to abet suicide. No prior criminal record and clean professional standing. All relevant WhatsApp messages and digital evidence had been seized, reducing the need for custodial interrogation. Willingness to cooperate with the investigation and comply with procedural requirements. The defense emphasized that the applicants, both respected professionals in their respective creative fields, were being drawn into a criminal proceeding without conclusive evidence of abetment. Court’s Decision The Hon’ble Court, after evaluating the facts and perusing the case papers, granted anticipatory bail to Ashok Yadav and Pallavi Majgar with the following conditions: Attendance at the concerned police station every Monday and Friday until the filing of the chargesheet. Prohibition from tampering with evidence or contacting witnesses. Submission of address proof and phone details of the applicants and their relatives. Restriction on foreign travel without prior court approval. The Court also observed that the WhatsApp messages had already been secured and custodial interrogation was not essential. Legal and Social Relevance This case underscores several evolving aspects of Indian criminal law: The complexities of attributing criminal liability in digital group interactions. The role of psychological evidence in abetment charges. The practical application of BNSS and BNS provisions in early-stage litigation. The urgent need to distinguish between social pressure and criminal abetment in online communications. For professionals like Mr. Yadav and Ms. Majgar, this case also raises important concerns about how creative collaborations, when soured by financial disputes, can quickly escalate into legal crises in the digital age. Charlewar Associates’ Approach At Charlewar Associates, we approach every matter—no matter how sensitive or complex—with precision, discretion, and diligence. Advocate Ishwar Charlewar’s strategy in this case reflected not just legal acumen but also a commitment to protecting the rights of the accused while respecting the gravity of the loss involved. This anticipatory bail order reflects our firm’s belief that: “Justice must not be delayed, but it must also not be denied on the basis of assumption.” Conclusion The Ashok Yadav & Pallavi Majgar case is more than a bail matter—it is a reminder of the changing landscape of digital responsibility, mental health, and criminal law. Charlewar Associates is proud to have contributed to a just, fair, and legally sound resolution in a case that required both human understanding and sharp legal insight. For experienced legal counsel in criminal, cyber, and digital-era litigation—contact Charlewar Associates.
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