M. Mahesh vs State Of Kerala

Bechu Kurian Thomas, J

This  is  an  application  seeking  regular  bail  filed  under Section 439 of Code of Criminal Procedure,  1973.

Petitioner is the  accused in Crime No.592/2022  of Kalamassery Police Station, Ernakulam, alleging offences under Section 354 r/w Section 354A(1)(i) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and  Sections  7  and  8  of the  Protection  of Children  from  Sexual Offences Act,  2012.

The  prosecution  case  is  that  on 12.06.2022, at  05:45 p.m., a minor girl of 13 years, who had come to the shop of the petitioner was sexually assaulted,  thereby committing the offences alleged.

Shri.R.Padmaraj,  the learned counsel for the petitioner, contended  that  petitioner  is  totally  innocent  and  the  prosecution case  is  falsely  foisted  against  him.  It  is  further  submitted  that petitioner was  arrested  on 13.06.2022,  and  that he  has  been  in custody since then.

Shri.Noushad K.A., the learned Public Prosecutor opposed the grant of regular bail and contended that the offences alleged against petitioner are serious in nature.

A  perusal  of the  case  diary  reveals  that  prima  facie there  are materials  on record to  connect the petitioner with the crime.  However,  petitioner was  remanded  to judicial  custody on

13.06.2022.  In view of the nature of the offences alleged,  I do not find any reason to hold  that the  continued  detention of the petitioner is required. Therefore,  the petitioner is entitled to be released on bail.

In the  result,  this  application  is  allowed  on  the following conditions:-

D  Petitioner shall be released on  bail on his executing a  bond for Rs.50,000/-(Rupees fifty thousand only) with two solvent sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of  the Court  having jurisdiction.

ii)  Petitioner shall  appear  before  the  Investigating officer as and when required.

iii)  Petitioner shall  not  intimidate or attempt to influence the witnesses; nor shall he tamper with the evidence or contact the victim or  her  family members.

iv)  Petitioner shall not commit any offence while he is on bail.

v)  Petitioner shall not leave India  without the permission of the Court having jurisdiction.

In  case  of violation  of any  of the  above  conditions,  the jurisdictional  Court  shall  be  empowered  to  consider the  application for  cancellation,  if any,  and  pass  appropriate  orders  in  accordance with the law,  notwithstanding the bail having been granted by this Court.