Sudarshan Manikpuri Vs State of Chhattisgarh

The applicant has preferred this 1^st bail application under Section 483 of Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Act 2023 for grant of regular bail as he is arrested in connection with crime No. 305/2025, registered at Police Station – Pali, District- Korba (C.G.) for offence punishable under Sections 75(1)(i)(ii), 78(1)(i)/3(5) of BNS and Section 12 of the POCSO Act, 2012.

The prosecution's case, in short, is that on 13.08.2025, the applicant along with other co-accused person harassed the victim who was aged about 16 years at the time of incident while she was on her way to school. The applicant also threatened her that he will take her away.

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Based on above, offence has been registered against the applicant and other co-accused.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the crime in question. The other coaccused has already been granted bail by the Trial Court itself. There was a love affair between the applicant and the victim. He further submits that due to dispute between brother of the victim and the applicant, a false report has been lodged. The applicant is a student, he is in jail since 14.08.2025, out of 10 prosecution witnesses only 3 have been examined till date and the trial is likely to take time to be finalized, therefore, it is prayed that the applicant may be enlarged on bail.

Per contra, learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the State opposes the bail application and submits that at the time of incident, the victim was minor and she supported the case of prosecution, therefore, looking to the nature of offence, the applicant may not be released on bail.

I have heard learned Counsel appearing for the parties and perused the material available on record.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, evidence collected by the prosecution, detention period of the applicant and looking to the statements of victim, her mother and her brother and further considering the fact that the trial is likely to take time to be finalized, without further commenting on merits of the case, I am inclined to release the applicant on bail.

It is directed that the applicant shall be released on bail on executing a personal bond for a sum of Rs. 20,000/- with one solvent surety for the like sum to the satisfaction of the Trial Court for his appearance before the said Court as and when directed.

Sd/- (Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal) Judge

Shubham

Sudarshan Manikpuri v. State of Chhattisgarh