In Brief
A 21-year-old man sought pre-arrest bail in a case where a minor girl alleged she went missing and was found at another location. Investigators added POCSO charges (sexual assault) against him alongside kidnapping charges under IPC Section 363. The girl's recorded statement revealed she was in a consensual relationship with the petitioner that her family opposed due to caste differences. The Supreme Court, applying the Sidharam guidelines for anticipatory bail, found the petitioner's apprehension of arrest well-established. Considering his age, lack of criminal record, and the circumstances, the Court granted pre-arrest bail on standard conditions including personal bond and sureties, allowing him to contest charges without custody."
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