XXX Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

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

(2.) Petitioner is the accused in Crime No.836/2022 of Kottiyam Police Station alleging offences under Ss. 354 and 354A(1)(i) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 apart from Sec. 8 read with Sec. 7 sec 10 read with Sec. 9(n)(I) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and Sec. 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

(3.) According to the prosecution, the victim, who is the 15 year old daughter of the petitioner was sexually assaulted while she was studying in STD VIII as well as during the last week of July, 2022 by touching her chest and stroking her private parts and thereby committing the offences alleged against him.