The Bombay High Court has recently granted interim anticipatory bail to a man accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The allegations involve him allegedly recording sexual activity between himself and the child’s mother.
Justice Manish Pitale expressed surprise at the accusations involving the child’s mother and decided to grant interim bail under certain conditions.
Summary:
- Bombay High Court grants interim anticipatory bail to a man accused under POCSO.
- Allegations involve recording sexual activity with the child’s mother.
- Court emphasizes conditions and future hearing date.
The case, registered at Police Station Uran, Navi Mumbai, includes charges under IPC Section 34 and various sections of the POCSO Act related to sexual harassment.
The applicant allegedly facilitated the child with a mobile phone to record their activities, prompting him to seek anticipatory bail.
During the hearing, the court noted that both the applicant and the child’s mother are married individuals and prima facie appear to be in an extramarital relationship.
This observation aligns with a previous FIR where the applicant was granted bail under similar circumstances.
The court further highlighted that the child’s mother has not been taken into custody or pursued actively, influencing the decision to grant interim protection to the applicant until the next hearing on July 19, 2024.
To ensure fairness, the High Court Legal Services Committee has been tasked with appointing an advocate to represent the victim child.
The applicant is required to provide additional documentation to the committee within a week.
As per court orders, the applicant must refrain from contacting the victim child. In case of arrest related to the FIR, he can secure bail upon furnishing a PR Bond of Rs. 25,000 and sureties to the satisfaction of the trial court.
Any violation of these conditions could lead to the cancellation of the interim bail. The court has scheduled further proceedings to delve into the complexities of the case.