Quick Summary: Tejraj Chavan, a businessman from Pune, faced legal challenges over a bounced cheque. The case involved multiple court decisions and a deep dive into the roles of various individuals connected to the case.
In 2016, Malganga Dairy Pharm accused Tejraj Chavan of bouncing a cheque worth ₹11,39,661. The cheque, dated February 24, 2016, was drawn from the Bank of Maharashtra in Pune. The complaint was filed under a law that deals with bounced cheques.
"The cheque in question was obtained towards security by the Chairman of the complainant firm under the pretext of providing loan."
Tejraj Chavan claimed he was a distributor for the dairy firm and that the cheque was given as security for a loan. He also mentioned being appointed as a sub-agent by Ashok Ugale, who was managing the firm's affairs in Pune.
The trial court in Pune allowed Chavan to call two witnesses: the Bank of Maharashtra's manager and Ashok Ugale. However, Chavan wanted to call more witnesses, which the court initially denied. This decision was upheld by the Ahmednagar Sessions Judge on January 4, 2020.
"The petitioner accused has not disclosed in Exh. 58 how the other witnesses are relevant for the defense."
On January 7, 2026, Justice Y. G. Khobragade of the Bombay High Court at Aurangabad reviewed the case. The court allowed Chavan to call two additional witnesses: Machhindra Lanke, the firm's director, and Kailas Dukre, the account head. This was in addition to the two already allowed by the trial court.
Chavan's lawyer argued that under the rules for criminal cases, the reasons for calling defense witnesses don't need to be detailed. The court agreed partially, allowing more witnesses to be called to strengthen Chavan's defense.
"An accused should be permitted to approach the court for obtaining its assistance with regard to the summoning of witnesses."
The trial court was directed to issue summons for the newly allowed witnesses and to conclude the trial within four months. This decision marked a significant step in Tejraj Chavan's ongoing legal battle.
