The Delhi High Court has rejected the bail plea of a man charged with sexually assaulting a minor girl. Justice Girish Kathpalia dismissed the bail application, emphasizing that during bail hearings, the court cannot delve into the evidence but must consider the gravity of the offense.
The accused, involved in a case at Mehrauli police station, faced charges under Sections 376, 354, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The prosecution’s case stemmed from the minor girl’s statement, alleging that the accused, a neighbor, had been harassing her since August 2021.
The victim reported incidents of inappropriate touching, forced kissing, and a sexual assault on September 16, 2021. After the assault, she confided in her mother, leading to the accused’s apprehension by the police. Despite arguments citing inconsistencies in witness statements, the court found the grounds for bail insufficient.
The court stressed the importance of considering the victim’s young age and the severity of the offense. With the trial ongoing and key witnesses yet to testify, the court deemed it inappropriate to grant bail to the accused at this juncture.
