Shailendra Kumar v. State of U.P. and 3 Others
Case brief
What is this about?
Allahabad High Court (Krishan Pahal, J.; order dated 11.3.2025) allows Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 5473 of 2025 - bail granted to Shailendra Kumar in Case Crime No. 146 of 2024, P.S. Achhalda, District Auraiya, under Sections 363, 366, 376 IPC (kidnapping/abduction and rape) and Sections 3/4 POCSO Act, pending trial. Defence points: two-day delay in FIR, victim's Section 164 Cr.P.C. statement, alleged consent and majority of victim (stated 17 years in FIR), Rs.15,000/- and ornaments allegedly taken by victim, custody since 06.08.2024, no criminal history; State did not dispute these submissions. Relies on Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI, 2022 INSC 690 and Manish Sisodia v. Directorate of Enforcement, 2024 INSC 595 for bail-as-rule under Article 21 presumption of innocence. Conditions: no tampering with evidence; personal appearance before Trial Court at case-opening, charge-framing and Section 313 Cr.P.C. statement; personal bond with two sureties, verified; breach is ground for cancellation; observations without prejudice to trial.