IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
Dinesh Kumar Sharma, J.
Ravinder Kumar – Appellant
Versus
The State NCT of Delhi & Anr. – Respondents
Bail Appln. 35 of 2023
Decided On : 11-05-2023
BAIL - Allegation of Rape on Minor - Section 376/506 IPC, Section 6 POCSO - [Section 376, Section 506, Section 6 POCSO] - The court considered the gravity of the offense, the delay in filing the case, and the victim's mental health condition before granting bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.
Fact of the Case:
The petitioner sought regular bail in a case where he was accused of raping a minor girl who was suffering from depression. The victim alleged that the petitioner forcefully raped her at her house and threatened her not to disclose the incident to anyone.
Finding of the Court:
The court granted bail to the petitioner considering the delay in filing the case, the victim's mental health condition, and the need to take a prima facie view at the bail stage without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case.
Issues: The main issue was whether the petitioner should be granted bail in a case involving serious allegations of rape on a minor girl.
Ratio Decidendi: The court considered the gravity of the offense, the delay in filing the case, and the victim's mental health condition before granting bail to the petitioner with certain conditions.
Final Decision: The petitioner was admitted to bail on furnishing a personal bond and two sureties with certain conditions including restrictions on travel and contact with the victim.
JUDGMENT
Dinesh Kumar Sharma,J.
1. Present petition has been filed under Section 439 Cr.P.C. seeking regular bail in FIR No.634/2021 dated 16.11.2021 registered under Section 376/506 IPC and Section 6 POCSO at PS Ambedkar Nagar, Delhi.
2. Briefly stated facts of the case are that the FIR was lodged on the statement of Ms.FK, it had been alleged that the complainant lives with her mother namely `simranjit kaur' and younger sister and she studies in 7th class. Her father `Tarandeep' died on 27th November, 2019 due to illness. After the death of her father, uncle Ravinder Kumar Yadav started visiting her house, whom her mother knew because she used to get medicines for her father's illness.She stated that she does not like Ravinder Kumar Yadav coming to their house and meeting her mother.On 2nd June 2020 around 6:00 p.m. he came to complainant's house to celebrate his birthday. The victim alleged that her mother had gone with her younger sister to buy cake and came back after about half an hour. In the meantime, she was alone at home with accused Ravinder Kumar Yadav who forcefully took off her clothes and forcefully put his private part in her private part and he also pressed the complainant's mouth with his hands and she could not scream because there was no tenant in their house during the lockdown. Complaint has also alleged that the petitioner threatened her that if she would tell this to anyone, he would do the same with her younger sister from which the complainant got scared and did not tell anything to her mother. Thereafter the petitioner left after celebrating his birthday. Due to this incident the victim had gone into depression and due to depression, she wanted to her end her life.
3. Perusal of the file indicates that on 31.10.21 the victim Ms. "FK" was admitted in RML Hospital. During treatment she left without informing her mother and doctor on 6/11/2021 and a Case FIR No. 83/2021 dated 6/11/2021 U/S 363 IPC PS North Avenue was registered. Thereafter during Medical examination and statement U/S 164 Cr.P.C. the victim stated that on 2/6/2020 one Ravinder Kumar Yadav (Friend of her Mother) had raped her at her house.After investigation charge sheet was filed under Section 376/506 IPC and 6 POCSO Act.
4. The bail application filed before the learned trial court was dismissed vide order dated 22.12.2022 predominantly on the ground that the allegations against the accused/petitioner are very serious in nature.
5. Mr. Manu Sharma, learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that the petitioner is in custody since 18.11.2021. It has further been submitted that the victim and her mother have already been examined as PW1 and PW2. Mr. Manu Sharma, learned counsel has further submitted that the alleged act was committed on 02.06.2020 whereas the present FIR was lodged on 16.11.2021. Learned counsel submits that in fact the petitioner was admitted in RML Hospital for treatment and from there she ran away and a missing report was filed by the mother of the victim. During this, while her statement was recorded, the victim disclosed that she was undergoing treatment for depression and got admitted in RML hospital on 05.11.2021 and therefore the first time, the victim disclosed about the alleged incident that took place on 02.06.2020. Mr. Manu Sharma, learned counsel has submitted that PW2 i.e., mother of the victim has not supported the case of the prosecution and testimony of PW1 i.e., the victim has also certain inherent contradictions. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in-fact after the death of father of the victim, the petitioner/accused started visiting the house of the victim and the victim did not like the same.Learned counsel for petitioner submits that the victim is suffering from bipolar disease and during this period, the present FIR was lodged.
6. Learned APP has vehemently opposed the bail application and has submitted that the prosecutrix/victim has made specific allegation against the peti
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The gravity of the offences, the credibility of the victim's statement, and the possibility of the accused pressurizing the victim and tampering with evidence are crucial factors in determining bail ....
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