XXXXX Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application for pre-arrest bail filed under Sec. 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

(2.) Petitioner is the accused in Crime No.442 of 2022 of Meenangadi Police Station alleging offences under sec. 7 r/w sec. 8, sec. 9 r/w sec. 10 and sec. 11(i) r/w sec. 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

(3.) The niece of the petitioner has alleged sexual assault committed by him on 14/12/2021. According to the prosecution, petitioner misbehaved with his sister's daughter, aged only 12 years, by asking her to sit on his lap and thereafter hugging and kissing her on the cheeks and trying to kiss her on the lips. Thereafter, petitioner is alleged to have attempted to disrobe the victim and made lewd comments and thereby committed the offences alleged.