Chhattisgarh HC Grants Anticipatory Bail To Man Accused Of Inappropriately Touching Minor, Noting His Tea-Stall Damage Report Preceded Her Complaint By Four Days

The applicant sought anticipatory bail under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in connection with Crime No. 20/2026, registered for offences under Sections 296, 115(2), 74, 332(b), 351(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 8 of the POCSO Act

The prosecution alleged that the applicant and co-accused entered the victim’s home, threatened and assaulted her, and that the applicant touched her inappropriately

The applicant claimed false implication in retaliation for a report he had lodged on 25 July 2026 concerning damage to his tea stall; the victim’s report was lodged on 29 July 2026

The victim’s father opposed bail

Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, provides the statutory basis for an application for anticipatory bail

The Court considered the nature of the allegations and the relevant circumstances in deciding whether to grant that relief

The order cites no precedent or more specific legal test

The Court considered the allegations, the applicant’s contention that he had been falsely implicated, and the fact that he had lodged a report concerning the tea-stall incident on 25 July 2026, while the victim’s report was lodged on 29 July 2026

It also noted that the applicant had no criminal antecedents

On those circumstances, and without expressing any opinion on the merits, the Court found it appropriate to grant anticipatory bail

The applicant must cooperate with interrogation, refrain from influencing persons acquainted with the facts or prejudicing a fair trial, and appear before the trial Court on each date fixed until disposal of the trial