O R D E R

The application is filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita , 2023, for an order of pre- arrest bail.

2. The petitioner is presently said to be the third accused ( formerly the fourth accused) in Crime No.973/2024 of the Kayamkulam Police Station, Alappuzha, which is registered against three accused persons for allegedly committing the offences punishable under Sec.77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act , 2015, Sec.118(i) of the Kerala Police Act , 2011 and Secs.6 and 24 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act , 2003.

3. When the bail application came up for consideration on 26.9.2024, this Court passed an interim order, by directing the petitioner to surrender before the Investigating Officer within seven days from the date of order and subject himself to interrogation.

4. Heard; Sri.A.K Mayakrishnan, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Smt.M.K Pushpalatha, the learned Public Prosecutor.

5. The learned Public Prosecutor, on instructions, submitted that, pursuant to the order dated 26.9.2024, the petitioner appeared before the Investigating Officer on 30.9.2024. The petitioner’s interrogation has