BIJU R Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The accused in S.C. No.2852/2022 on the files of the Special Court for trial of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (hereinafter referred to as 'POCSO Act' for short), Thiruvananthapuram, has filed this criminal revision petition under Sec. 397 read with Sec. 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (hereinafter referred to as 'Cr.P.C' for short), challenging order in Crl.M.P.No.353/2023 dtd. 26/4/2023 whereby an application filed by the accused as petitioner, seeking further investigation under Sec. 173(8) of Cr.P.C. was dismissed.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Public Prosecutor in detail. Perused the order impugned and the other relevant documents, including the decisions in this regard.

(3.) In this case, arising out of crime No.685/2022 of Valiyamala Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram, the prosecution alleges commission of offences punishable under Ss. 450, 354B, 376, 376(2)(f), 376 (3) of IPC and under Sec. 3(a) r/w 4(2), 5(p) r/w 6, 5(l) r/w 6, 5(j)(i) r/w 6, 5(j)(ii) r/w 6 of the POCSO Act.