The present bail application is filed under Section 438, Cr.P.C. seeking anticipatory bail relating to a criminal case in Crime No.1938/15 on the file of the respondent-Madivala police station, a case registered under Section 26 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, (hereinafter referred to as the Act, for brevity).

2. The allegation against the petitioner is that he is running a bakery and sweet stall and had engaged minor children to work in the said bakery and the work so done by the minor children was hazardous in nature. It is alleged that the children employed by the petitioner were below the age of 16 years and they were made to work right from the morning till night, and the atmosphere was not congenial for doing work.

3. Learned HCGP has vehemently opposed the bail application on the ground that prima facie case is forthcoming in regard to the role of this petitioner as per the first information lodged by Smt. Radha, a member of Child Welfare Committee. Therefore he has requested this court to dismiss the bail application.

4. Petitioner is a resident of Bengaluru City and has undertaken to obey any condition that may be imposed upon him. The offence alleged against him is