JUDGMENT (ORAL)

1. The accused/applicant seeks regular bail in case FIR No. 592/2023 of Police Station Najafgarh for offence under Section 376 IPC and Section 4 POCSO Act.

2. Broadly speaking, the allegation against the accused/applicant is that he used to visit the kiosk of father of the prosecutrix to purchase cigarettes and that is how he developed friendship with her. Once the prosecutrix was returning home by foot, the accused/applicant suddenly stopped his motorcycle and asked her if he could drop her home. The prosecutrix agreed because of acquaintance with him. At that stage, the accused/applicant kissed her and took a picture. On being asked to delete that picture, the accused/applicant stated that he would show the picture to her parents. After that the accused/applicant repeatedly called her at night for sexual favours. This is extracted from testimony of the prosecutrix before the trial court.

3. Learned counsel for accused/applicant submits that he is in custody since 30.12.2023 and the trial has almost concluded, so the accused/applicant deserves to be released on bail. It is further submitted that since the trial is proceeding at a slow pace, the accused/applicant be gr