ABHAY PARIDA Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application for regular bail filed under Sec. 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

(2.) Petitioner is the sole accused in Crime No.1581 of 2021 of Maradu Police Station registered for the offences punishable under Ss. 363 and 370 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and also under Ss. 11(iv) r/w. Sec. 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

(3.) The prosecution case is that, on 6/10/2021, the accused persuaded the victim, who is aged only 14 years, to elope with him to Odisha from the custody of her parents for the purpose of marrying him, and thereby committed the offences as alleged. Petitioner was arrested on 24/5/2022 and has been in custody since then.