THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE N. TUKARAMJI CRIMINAL PETITION No.7927 of 2025

ORDER:

This Criminal Petition is filed under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS, 2023’) seeking quashment of the proceedings in C.C No.4612 of 2018 on the file of the learned XI Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at Secunderabad, against the petitioners – Accused No.3.

2. The prosecution's case, in brief, is that on 17.04.2018, the complainant and his team visited the premises bearing GHMC No. 1-8- 450/1/A, Flat No. 3B, Victoria Castle, Indian Airlines Colony, Begumpet, Hyderabad. Upon receiving information that offences under the PITA Act were being committed under the guise of Ayurveda therapy, a search was conducted. The allegation against the petitioner is that he was found to be a customer within the said premises, and a charge sheet has been filed against him for an offence punishable under Section 5(c) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.

3. Heard Mr. Ramavaram chandrashekar reddy, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr.Jithender Rao Veeramalla, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, representing the respondent No.1-State.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner contended that the materials placed by the prosecution, and the allegations made, even if taken at face value, do not constitute any offence against the petitioner. He submits that, as per the averments, the petitioner was found within the premises but not in the company of the victim. Furthermore, the alleged offence does not make out a prima facie case against the petitioner for trial. Therefore, the continuation of proceedings against the petitioner would amount to an abuse of the process of law. He further placed reliance on the judgments of this Court in Dr.Billakanti Venkatesh v. State of Telangana, [2025 LawSuit (TS) 41] and Dilip Jana Vs. State of West Bengal, [2009 SCC OnLine Cal 1569]

5. Learned Additional Public Prosecutor submits that the petitioner was found at the premises where the offence took place, and the offence alleged against the petitioner falls under Section 5(c) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. This provision pertains to an attempt to take a person, or cause a person to be taken, from one place to another with the intent that such person engage in, or be trained to engage in, prostitution. Since the presence of the petitioner at the scene is established, the defence and other related aspects are

matters to be considered during trial. Therefore, interference at this stage is not warranted.

6. I have perused the materials on record.

7. As per the prosecution, the petitioner was present at the scene at the relevant point of time. However, a perusal of the copy of the mediator’s report does not reveal the name of the petitioner. Further, the statements of the victims, i.e., LWs.4 to 6, do not mention the petitioner anywhere, although they assert certain aspects against the other accused. Even if the petitioner’s presence within the premises is taken at face value, for the mere fact of his presence, there is no material to show any overt act or involvement in the commission of the alleged offence.

8. However, having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, except for the presence of the petitioner at the premises and the alleged confessional panchanama of Accused No.1, there is no other material to show the petitioner’s involvement or attempt in committing the offence. Therefore, the continuance of proceedings against him for the offence under Section 5(c) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, is not found to be justifiable.

9. Furthermore, Section 5(c) deals with the procuring or inducing of any person to be taken from one place to another for the purpose of prostitution. In broader terms, it punishes the act of procurement or even an attempt to procure a person without the consent of such person for the purpose of prostitution.

10. The High Court of Madhya Pradesh, in Hasina Bee v. State of