JIJAM MURSHAD ALI HASHIM Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned Counsel for the parties.

(2.) The applicant, who is arraigned in Special Case (POCSO) No.309 of 2022, arising out of CR No.412 of 2022 for the offences punishable under Ss. 376, 376(2)(n), 377, 341, 354, 498A, 406, 323, 324, 504, 506 and 509 read with Sec. 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 ("the Penal Code") and Ss. 4, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 ("POCSO Act"), has preferred this application to enlarge him on bail.

(3.) The first informant is the mother of the victim, who was born on 21/2/2004. In the month of December, 2021 when the victim had been to her maternal uncle's house at Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, she became acquainted with the applicant and they exchanged phone numbers. Thereafter, romantic relations developed.