Mani Bhusan Kumar v. The State of Bihar
Case brief
What is this about?
Patna High Court bail order dated 13-08-2025 by Justice Arun Kumar Jha in Criminal Miscellaneous No. 33388 of 2025 (Patahi P.S. Case No. 65 of 2025, East Champaran). Offences: Sections 96, 3(5) BNS and Section 8 POCSO Act — kidnapping of informant's daughter with co-accused. Points: victim recovered; statements under ss. 183 and 180 BNSS; victim wished to marry petitioner and left home voluntarily; no allegation of wrongful act or sexual assault; medical age 16-17 years vs school certificate above 17 years; APP contended victim was minor and consent immaterial; parties compromised with application before police station; informant's side did not want to continue; custody since 17.02.2025; charge sheet submitted; petitioner aged about 20 with clean antecedents. Relief: bail on Rs. 10,000 bond plus two sureties of like amount, subject to s. 480(3) BNSS conditions and special conditions (close-relative bailor, presence on all dates, cancellation of bond on absence for three consecutive dates or breach). Keywords: bail, POCSO, minor, consent immaterial, elopement, compromise, BNS 96, charge sheet, Special Judge POCSO East Champaran.