ORDER :

While considering an application for regular bail in a crime alleging rape of a minor, this Court expressed its anguish at the alarming rise in the number of sexual offences committed on school children. The distress escalated on noticing that, in many instances, the perpetrators themselves were students -either minors or those who had just crossed the threshold age of majority.

2. The present bail application relates to an incident of aggravated penetrative sexual assault by the petitioner on a victim aged 15 who became pregnant. The victim affirmed in her statement to the police that she was in a relationship with the petitioner and that they even intent on getting married. Although attempts were made by the relatives to terminate the pregnancy, the victim insisted on continuing with it. Petitioner's family expressed their inclination to accept the victim and the child. However, the fact remains that the girl is the victim of a sexual crime, and the young boy is an alleged sexual offender. Unmindful of the consequences, they indulged in a sexual act which can result in a minimum imprisonment of 20 years for the accused.

3. The alarming rise in the number of sexual offences c