LAWS(BOM)-2019-12-29

TARABAI LAKSHMAN BAJAD Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

Decided On December 12, 2019
Tarabai Lakshman Bajad Appellant
V/S
STATE OF MAHARASHTRA Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Sohoni, learned counsel for applicant and Mr. Tembhare, learned A.P.P. for non applicant-State. Also perused the reply and the entire charge-sheet.

(2.) Present application is filed for regular bail. Applicant was arrested in connection with Crime No.284/2019, registered with Police Station, Washim City, Washim for an offence punishable under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA), Section 12 of the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and Section 366-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

(3.) According to learned counsel for applicant, applicant cannot be held guilty for the offence punishable under Section 12 of the POCSO Act and Section 366-A of the IPC inasmuch as according to the submissions, the girls, who were found in the house of applicant, were all major. Whereas the girl found in the house of Shantabai, the co- accused, are minors. It is also his submission that applicant is a 70 years old lady and the maximum punishment for the offence punishable under the PITA Act is seven years. He, therefore, submits that the applicant be released on bail.