ARJUN KUMAR Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This application for bail has been filed by the petitioner under Sec. 439 of the Cr.P.C. in connection with FIR No.162/2022 Police Station Sayla, District Jalore, for the offences under Ss. 363, 366-A, 376(2)(n), 344 of IPC and under Ss. 3/4, 5(L)/6 of POCSO Act. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Public Prosecutor and also perused the material available on record.

(2.) Drawing attention of the Court towards the statements of the prosecutrix recorded before the competent criminal court on 6/4/2023, learned counsel submitted that the prosecutrix stayed with the petitioner of her free will and violation for more than 17 days at Ajmer. Learned counsel submitted that from the statements of the prosecutrix, it is evident that she had consensual sexual relationship with the present petitioner and thus, there is no allegation of sexual assault upon the present petitioner. Learned counsel submitted that the petitioner at the time of incident, was an adolescent, therefore, the petitioner deserves to be enlarged on bail. Per contra, learned Public Prosecutor and learned counsel for the complainant vehemently opposed the bail application.

(3.) Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case and in view of the aforesaid statements and also without expressing any opinion on the merits/demerits of the case, this Court is of the opinion that the bail application filed by the petitioner deserves to be accepted.