PREM NETAM Vs. STATE OF CHHATTISGARH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This first anticipatory bail application under Sec. 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No. 478/2024 registered at Police Station - Mahasamund, District - Mahasamund (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sec. 69 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

(2.) As per prosecution story, in brief, that the applicant and the victim met through social media and exchanged their mobile numbers, and had been in communication since 2023. On March 17, 2024, the applicant allegedly committed sexual intercourse with her at a hotel in Village Rajim under the pretext of marriage. Thereafter, he committed sexual intercourse with the victim on multiple occasions at different locations. Based on her complaint, Police Station Mahasamund registered Crime No. 478/2024 against the applicant under Sec. 69 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

(3.) Learned counsel for the applicant would submit that the applicant is innocent and he has been falsely implicated in this case. He submits that the victim aged about 30 years is a major lady. He also submits that the victim and the applicant were in a relationship and the victim was a consenting party. He further submits that the present FIR has been registered after almost 07 months of the incident and for which no explanation has been given. Therefore, he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the present applicant.