MANJUNATH Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The accused in Spl.SC No.30/2023 pending before the Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge, FTSC-1, Chikkaballapura arising out of Crime No.35/2023 registered by Bagepalli police station, Chikkaballapura for the offences punishable under Sec. 376(3) of Indian Penal Code (hereinafter referred to as 'IPC' for short) and Sec. 3, 4 and 6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as 'POCSO Act' for short), is before this Court under Sec. 439 of Cr.P.C., seeking regular bail.

(2.) Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned High Court Government Pleader for the respondent-State. Respondent No.2 though served in the matter, remained unrepresented.

(3.) On the basis of the complaint lodged by the victim dtd. 10/1/2023, FIR in Crime No.35/2023 was registered by Bagepalli police station, Chikkaballapura against the petitioner herein initially for the offences punishable under Sec. 3 and 4 of POCSO Act. During the course of investigation of the said case, the petitioner was arrested on 10/1/2023. Investigation in the case is complete and charge sheet has been filed. Petitioner's bail application filed before the trial Court in Crl.Misc.No.242/2023 was rejected on 30/5/2023. Therefore, the petitioner is before this Court.