Panneer Selvam Vs State Of Tamilnadu Rep By Inspector Of Police, Awps-Srivaikundam

The petitioner, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 25.11.2025 for the offences punishable under Section 7 r/w. 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, in Crime No.35 of 2025 on the file of the respondent police, seeks bail.

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The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner herein, who is aged about 68 years has sexually assaulted the victim girl, aged 17 years. Hence, the complaint.

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The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is an innocent person and he has not committed any offences as alleged by the prosecution. He further submitted that the petitioner is in judicial custody from 25.11.2025. Hence, he seeks bail to the petitioner.

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The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that the offences committed by the accused are serious in nature. He further

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submitted that the investigation has been completed and the charge sheet has been filed.

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This is the second bail application. This Court has already dismissed the earlier bail petition on the ground that the charge sheet had not been filed and that the investigation was at a preliminary stage. Now, it is reported that the charge sheet has been filed. Considering the above facts, this Court is inclined to grant bail to the petitioner, subject to the following conditions:

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Accordingly, the petitioner is ordered to be released on bail on executing a bond for a sum of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only) with two sureties, each for a like sum to the satisfaction of the learned Special Judge for POCSO Cases, Thoothukudi, and on further conditions that :-

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[a] the petitioner and the sureties shall affix their photographs and left thumb impression in the surety bond and the Magistrate may obtain a copy of their Aadhaar card or bank pass book to ensure their identity.

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[b] the petitioner shall report before the Trial Court daily at 10.30 a.m., until further orders. The petitioner is restrained from entering Srivaikundam and shall not threaten the victim or the victim’s family. He shall not enter the street, school/college, house, or any place where the victim is normally available and this condition shall not be relaxed until trial is over. No relaxation shall be considered for the next two months.

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[c] the petitioner shall not tamper with the evidence or witness either during investigation or trial.

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[d] the petitioner shall not abscond either during investigation or trial.

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[e] On breach of any of the aforesaid conditions, the learned Magistrate/Trial Court is entitled to take appropriate action against the petitioner in accordance with law as if the conditions have been imposed and the petitioner is released on bail by the learned Magistrate/Trial Court himself as laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in P.K.Shaji vs. State of Kerala [(2005)AIR SCW 5560].

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[f] If the accused thereafter absconds, a fresh FIR can be registered under Section 269 BNS.

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(S S Y J) 04.02.2026

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jbr