Bombay HC Bench Recuses from Hearing Waze's Bail Plea

A Bombay High Court division bench has recused itself from hearing a bail petition filed by dismissed policeman Sachin Waze, who is implicated in a corruption case along with former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh. Waze claims his continued incarceration violates his fundamental rights and seeks bail on parity grounds.

A division bench of the Bombay High Court has recused itself from hearing a petition filed by dismissed policeman Sachin Waze, who is seeking bail in a CBI's corruption case that also involves former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh.

Waze, currently in judicial custody, argued for his release citing his status as an approver in the case and sought bail on grounds of parity as the other accused are out on bail. The bench, comprising Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande, had previously heard the petition and planned to first rule on the interim bail request before making a final decision.

However, Justice Dangre recused from the case, stating, 'I did not realize then that this matter also involves Anil Deshmukh. I cannot hear pleas related to this.' The case will now be assigned to a different bench. Waze's plea to remain out of jail is contested by the CBI, citing his failure to depose in the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)