Bail may be refused in light of the victim’s minority and serious sexual-assault allegations.

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in connection with a case registered under Sections 137(2), 87 and 64(2)(m) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act)

The prosecution alleged that the victim’s father reported her missing on 22 April 2026; she was recovered with the applicant in Nagpur on 27 May 2026.

In her statement under Section 183 of the BNSS, she alleged repeated sexual assault and pregnancy.

The applicant relied on an alleged relationship, completion of the investigation, filing of the charge-sheet, and his custody since 27 May 2026.

The State opposed bail, citing the victim’s age—17 years and 7 months—and the allegations; her father also objected

Whether the applicant should be granted regular bail under Section 483 of the BNSS, having regard to the victim’s age and the allegations against him

Whether the completion of the investigation, filing of the charge-sheet, and the applicant’s period in custody warranted release on bail

The application was made under Section 483 of the BNSS, which provides the procedural basis for seeking regular bail

The alleged offences were under Sections 137(2), 87 and 64(2)(m) of the BNS and Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act

The order does not set out a further statutory bail test, discuss precedents, or articulate a general legal rule; it records that the Court considered the nature and gravity of the offence, the victim’s age, and her allegations

The Court considered the competing submissions, the case diary, and the material on record

Although the applicant relied on the completed investigation, the filed charge-sheet, and the likely duration of trial, the Court found the nature and gravity of the allegations, the victim’s age, and her statement under Section 183 of the BNSS decisive against release.

It therefore declined bail without separately analysing the applicant’s claim of a consensual relationship or elaborating on the applicable statutory bail principles

rejected Ankush Kore’s application for regular bail in connection with Crime No. 67/2026, Police Station Devri, District Balod