The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to a 23-year-old man accused of raping a girl when she was 16 years and nine months old, with the intention to marry her.
The High Court has permitted bail for a period of 15 days to the accused. Both families support the marriage, particularly after the girl, who recently turned 18, gave birth to a child. DNA tests have confirmed that the man accused of rape is the biological father of the child.The court has ordered that the petitioner, who must return to custody on the evening of July 3, present a marriage certificate at the next hearing on July 4, 2024.
The court stated that its decision is intended to protect the child’s interests while also providing support to the young mother.
Justice M Nagaprasanna issued the interim order in response to the accused’s petition, which sought to dismiss the charges because both families wanted to proceed with the wedding.
The accused, who is from Mysuru district, was arrested in February 2023 after the girl’s mother accused him of repeatedly sexually assaulting her daughter, who was then 16 years and nine months old.
He is charged under Section 376(2)(n) of the IPC and Sections 5(L), 5(j)(ii), and 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
Given the circumstances, Justice Nagaprasanna emphasized the importance of the marriage in supporting the young mother and child in their vulnerable situation.
