MANJUNATHA Vs. STATE BY CHINTAMANI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed by sole accused under Sec. 483 of Bharatiya Nagrika Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 praying to grant bail in Spl.S.C.No.93/2024, pending on the file of IV Additional District and Sessions Judge, Chikkaballapura, registered for offences punishable under Ss. 363 and 376(2)(n) of Indian Penal Code and Ss. 4, 6 and 12 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

(2.) Heard learned counsel for petitioner and learned High Court Government Pleader for respondent No.1 - State. Respondent No.2 is present before this Court.

(3.) Learned counsel for petitioner would contend that, there was love affair between the petitioner and the victim girl. The victim girl is aged seventeen (17) years and she is of the age of understanding the consequences of her acts. The victim girl went with the petitioner to different places namely Chintamani, Mysuru, Bengaluru and stayed with him in the house of relative of the petitioner itself indicate that she voluntarily went along with him and she is having love affair with him. The evidence of victim girl has already been recorded and therefore, there is no threat to the victim girl. The petitioner is in judicial custody since 28/4/2024 and as the charge sheet is filed, he is not required for further custodial interrogation. With these, he prayed to allow the petition.