Mukesh Banjara vs State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others

Milind Ramesh Phadke, J

This is first bail application under Section 483 of BNSS filed by the applicant for grant of bail.

The applicant has been arrested on 15.10.2025 by Police Station-Maksudangarh, District Guna in connection with Crime No.146/2025, registered in relation to the offence punishable under Sections 65(1), 331 (2) and 351 (3) of BNS and section 3/4 POCSO Act.

As per the case of the prosecution, the allegation against the present applicant is that he committed rape upon the prosecutrix, who is aged 15 years. On the basis of such allegation, the above crime was registered.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant has been falsely implicated in the case. He has not committed any offence. As per the prosecution story applicant committed rape upon the prosecutrix in the month of June, 2025 and thereafter on 14.08.2025, the prosecutrix consumed pesticide kept at her house. Thereafter, the family members of the complainant took her to a hospital in Bhopal for treatment. Subsequently, on 20.08.2025, after recovering and returning home from the hospital, the complainant informed her parents about the wrongful act committed against her by the applicant and thereafter on 8.9.2025 the FIR has been registered with delay of more than two months. The applicant is the first offender and he has no criminal past. Trial will take time for its conclusion. The applicant is permanent resident of District Guna and there is no likelihood of his absconsion or tampering with the prosecution evidence. He is ready to abide by the terms and conditions as may be imposed. With the aforesaid submissions, prayer for grant of bail is made out.

Learned counsel for the State vehemently opposed the application and prayed for its rejection.

Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case and nature of allegations and looking to the fact that FIR has been lodged with delay, coupled with the fact that the trial is not likely to conclude in near future and prolonged pre- trial detention being an anathema to the concept of liberty, this Court is inclined to extend the benefit of bail to the applicant.

Accordingly, without expressing any opinion on merits of the case, this application is allowed and it is directed that the applicant be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) with one solvent surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court/committal Court for his appearance on the dates given by the concerned Court.

This order will remain operative subject to compliance of the following conditions by the applicant:-

The applicant will comply with all the terms and conditions of the bond executed by him;

The applicant will cooperate in the investigation/trial, as the case may be;

The applicant will not indulge himself in extending inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing such facts to the Court or to the Police Officer, as the case may be; 4 . The applicant shall not commit any other offence during pendency of the trial, failing which this bail order shall stand cancelled automatically, without further reference to the Bench;

The applicant will not seek unnecessary adjournments during the trial; and

The applicant will not leave India without previous permission of the trial Court/Investigating Officer, as the case may be.

Certified copy as per rules.