O R D E R

This application is filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short, BNSS), seeking pre-

arrest bail.

2. The applicant is the sole accused in Crime No.1474/2025 of Punalur Police Station, Kollam District. The offences alleged are punishable under Section s 74 and 75(1)(i) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNS’) and Section 8 read with Section 7 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (for short ‘PoCSO Act’).

3. The prosecution case, in short, is that on 08.10.2025 at

05.45 p.m, the victim reached the bakery of the applicant to purchase biscuits and Lays. When the victim was about to leave the shop, the applicant came out from the counter of the shop and tapped on her left breast with a packet. The victim moved away under the impression that the act of the applicant was accidental. At that time, the applicant pressed on her breast and thereby committed sexual assault against the victim.

4. I have heard Sri.V.M. Krishnakumar, the learned counsel for the applicant and Sri.M.C. Ashi, the learned Senior Public Prosecutor. Perused the case diary.

5. The learned counsel for the applicant submitted that the applican