Madras High Court granted bail to a man in a case where he impregnated a minor girl on condition that he should marry the girl after she becomes a major.
The court was hearing the bail petition lodged by Arunkumar, who was arrested on September 2 by the All Women Police. Under the parts of the POCSO Act, 2012, he was recorded.
The prosecution's argument was that the petitioner was in love with his relative, the victim child, and had a sexual relationship thereafter and impregnated her.
The counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that when she becomes a major, the petitioner is ready and willing to marry the victim child. He also argued that the petitioner had been in prison for more than 50 days, so he tried to grant him bail.
Taking the facts and circumstances into account, Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan granted the petitioner bail on condition that, once she is a major, he should marry the victim child. The judge ordered the petitioner's parents and the victim to file a joint affidavit with the special court for the exclusive trial of cases under the POCSO Act, 2012 at Tuticorin for their consent to the marriage.
The judge further directed the petitioner to register the marriage on or before October 30, 2021, and produce the marriage registration certificate before the concerned police station.
The judge ordered the police to safeguard the petitioner and continue in compliance with the law if the petitioner fails to register the marriage.
