CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE PURNENDU SINGH ORAL ORDER

5 21-01-2026 Heard learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner and learned APP for the State.

2. The petitioner seeks pre-arrest bail in connection with Mahuawa P.S. Case No. 64/2024 registered for the offence punishable under Sections 96, 352/3(5) of the BNS and Section

8 of POCSO Act .

3. As per the allegation made in the FIR, petitioner had kidnapped the minor daughter of the informant with an intention to marry with her.

4. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent and he has falsely been implicated in the case. As per the impugned order, has stated that she has solemnized marriage with the petitioner out of her own will. Learned counsel further submits that the petitioner has just emerged as an adult being aged about 21 years and the victim is aged about 14 years and at this stage, natural attraction for the opposite sex cannot be denied coupled with the several psychological and physiological change person undergo. On these grounds, the petitioner seeks to be released on pre-arrest bail.

5. Learned APP for the State has vehemently opposed the prayer for grant of