ADITHYAN R. Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a petition filed under Sec. 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, seeking pre-arrest bail and the petitioner is the sole accused in crime No.1/2024 of Kochi Metro Police Station, Ernakulam.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner as well as the learned Public Prosecutor. Perused the relevant materials available.

(3.) The prosecution allegation is that the accused herein, on a day in the month of July, 2023 subjected the defacto complainant, aged 17 years to sexual intercourse at 'Hi bye Entertainments', Ernakulam and thereafter, on two occasions during the month of August, 2023 at the house of the accused, on the promise of marriage. Thereby, the prosecution alleges commission of offences punishable under Ss. 354, 354(A)(1)(i), 376(2)(n) of IPC and Ss. 3(a) read with 4, 5(1) read with 6, 7 read with 8 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (hereinafter referred to as the 'POCSO Act' for short).