SHUBHAM DILIP Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned counsel for the applicant, the learned APP for the respondent-State, Ms. M.S. Hange, learned advocate appointed for respondent No. 2 and Mr. A.R. Joshi, who has assisted this Court as amicus curiae in this case.

(2.) The applicant is seeking bail as he is arrested in connection with Crime No. 220/2024 dtd. 8/6/2024 registered with Shillegaon Police Station, District Aurangabad for the offences punishable under Sec. 376, 376(2) (N), 376(3), 366-A, 363, 109 of Indian Penal Code ('IPC' for short) and Sec. 4, 6, 8, 12, 17 of the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act ('POCSO' Act for short).

(3.) This Court vide order dtd. 14/7/2025 has recorded the submissions of the learned counsel for the applicant and learned APP, which are as under :-