Anand v. the Union Territory of Puducherry Rep by
Case brief
What is this about?
Keywords: Section 363 IPC; kidnapping from lawful guardianship; minor girl aged 16; voluntary elopement; no inducement or forcible abduction; love affair; POCSO Section 8 acquittal; contradictory witness evidence; motorbike not seized; confession not produced; Crime No.23 of 2019; D Nagar Police Station, Puducherry; Special Judge Puducherry; Madras High Court; criminal appeal allowed; acquittal; refund of fine. Precedents referred (cited by counsel, not independently discussed): Rajesh @ Karuppusamy v The State (Crl.A.No.387 of 2009); Vijayakumar v State (Crl.A.No.635 of 2018); R.Gokul v The State (Crl.A.No.104 of 2021); Prakash v State of Haryana (2004) 1 CC 339 (relied on by Public Prosecutor).
What did the court decide?
Criminal Appeal allowed; judgment of the trial Court dated 20.10.2021 in Spl.S.C.No.2 of 2020 set aside; appellant/accused acquitted of all charges; bail bond, if any, cancelled; fine, if paid, to be refunded to him; no costs.