The Karnataka High Court has granted regular bail to a 28-year-old man facing prosecution under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, observing that the allegations in the charge sheet are yet to be established through evidence during trial. The Court noted that the trial had not yet begun and that the prosecution's case would have to be examined in full before any conclusion could be reached.
Background of the Case
The case arose from Crime No. 146 of 2025 registered at Srinivasapura Police Station in Kolar district. According to the prosecution, the girl's mother reported that her daughter, who was below 18 years of age, had left home after telling her family she was going to college and did not return.
During the investigation, the petitioner and the girl were traced together. The petitioner was arrested on May 19, 2025, and later charges were filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the POCSO Act, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. His earlier bail application had been rejected by the trial court.
Court's Observations
Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty examined the material placed before the High Court, including the girl's statement recorded before a Magistrate.
According to her statement, she had become acquainted with the petitioner, accepted his proposal to marry, and the two allegedly married at a temple before staying together in a rented house for some time.
The Court also noted that the owner of the rented house, whose statement was recorded during the investigation, did not support allegations that the girl had informed him about any ill-treatment during her stay.
"The allegations found in the charge sheet against the petitioner are required to be proved in a full-fledged trial," the bench observed.
The Court further noted that the petitioner had no previous criminal record. It also recorded that the material available at this stage suggested the two had stayed together after their temple marriage, while emphasizing that the prosecution's allegations would ultimately be determined during trial.
Court's Decision
Allowing the criminal petition, the Karnataka High Court directed that the petitioner be released on regular bail, subject to strict conditions.
The Court ordered him to furnish a personal bond of ₹1 lakh with two sureties, appear before the trial court on all hearing dates unless exempted, refrain from influencing or threatening prosecution witnesses, and not involve himself in similar offences while the case remains pending.
Case Details
Case Title: Sri Manjunatha v. State of Karnataka & Others
Case Number: Criminal Petition No. 513 of 2026
Judge: Hon'ble Mr. Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty
Decision Date: June 16, 2026
