SREERAJ Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application for regular bail.

(2.) The petitioner is the accused in Crime No.1092 of 2023 of Karunagapally Police Station, Kollam District, alleging commission of offences under Ss. 354A(1)(i) and 506(i) of the Indian Penal Code and Ss. 8, 7, 10 and 9(l)(m) of the POCSO Act. The petitioner, who is stated to be in a relationship with the mother of the minor victim, is alleged to have sexually abused the minor victim in the month of April 2023. The petitioner was arrested on 25/8/2023 and has been in custody since that date. The petitioner is, as on date, entitled to statutory bail.

(3.) At the request of this Court, Adv.Parvathy Menon, representing the Victim Rights Centre had placed a report for the consideration of this Court, after interacting with the minor victim. The report also contains the report of the Counsellor attached to the Family Counselling Centre of the High Court Legal Services Committee. The report clearly suggests that the minor victim may be influenced or intimidated if the petitioner is released on bail. However, since the final report has not been filed, the petitioner is entitled to statutory bail as on date. Therefore, I direct that the petitioner shall be released on bail subject to the following conditions:-