JUDGMENT :

VINAY JOSHI, J.

1. Heard.

2. Admit.

3. This is an application seeking to quash criminal prosecution namely Special (Child Act) Case No. 12/2020 arising out of Crime No. 875/2019 registered with Police Station Arvi, Wardha for the offence punishable under Sections 354-A, 354-D, 376(3), 452 of the Indian Penal Code, Sections 4, 6, 8 of the Protection of Children from the Sexual Offences Act.

4. At the instance of report lodged by mother of victim, crime has been registered. The victim is a minor daughter of the informant lady. It is her case that the applicant was nearby resident who was in visiting terms at her house. The victim has informed that on 09.12.2019, in the afternoon, the applicant followed her and by expressing love outrage her modesty and therefore, report. During the course of investigation, statement of several witnesses including victim have been recorded. The victim aged 15 years disclosed that from last one year, the accused has expressed her love, on which both were involved in relationship. Time and again, they used to meet and also had physical relationship. On completion of investigation, charge- sheet has been filed. The Trial Court has recorded evidence