Logesh v. State Rep By The Inspector Of Police

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

The petitioner who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offence punishable under Girl missing altered into Sections 363, 366(A), 506(i) of IPC. Subsequently altered into 363, 366(A), 506(i), 376(2)(n) of IPC, r/w Sections 5(l), 6, 17 of POCSO Act r/w Sections 9 and 10 of Child Marriage Act, 2006, in Crime No.50 of 2022, seeks anticipatory bail.

2. It is the case of the prosecution that A1 fell in love with the minor victim girl and both got married. Hence, the present case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is an innocent person and he has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. He would further submit that the victim girl had attained her majority. Therefore, he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent police would submit that A1 fell in love with the minor victim girl. Hence, he vehemently opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. It is seen that though it is a love marriage, the victim girl now attained her majority and the petitioner and the victim girl are living their life happily. They also produced photographs to that effect.

6. Considering the above facts and circumstances of the case, the custodial interrogation of the petitioner does not require in this case. Hence, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.

7. Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail in the event of arrest or on his appearance, within a period of fifteen days from the date on which the order copy made ready, before the learned Judicial Magistrate, Gudiatham, on condition that the petitioner shall

execute a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) with two sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the respondent police or the police officer who intends to arrest or to the satisfaction of the learned Magistrate concerned, failing which, the petition for anticipatory bail shall stand dismissed and on further condition that: [a] the petitioner and the sureties shall affix their photographs and Left Thumb Impression in the surety bond and the Magistrate may obtain a copy of their Aadhar card or Bank pass Book to ensure their identity. [b] the petitioner shall report before the respondent police daily at 10.30 a.m, for a period of two weeks and thereafter as and when required for interrogation.

[c] the petitioner shall not tamper with evidence or witness either during investigation or trial.

[d] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial.

[e] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioner released on bail by the learned Magistrate/Trial Court himself as laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in P.K.Shaji vs. State of Kerala [(2005)AIR SCW 5560].

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

mn [f] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 229A IPC.

10.08.2022 mn