Patna High Court
Md. Meraj @ Meraj Udin IkvalversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- BAIL REJECTED
- Bench
- PRABHAT KUMAR SINGH
Holding
Anticipatory bail was denied.
Summary
Md Meraj was accused of raping the 14‑year‑old daughter of the informant on 19 July 2025. The FIR alleged offences under Sections 126, 64, 352 and 351(2) of the BNS and Sections 4, 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The victim’s statement recorded under Section 183 of the BNS corroborated the prosecution’s case. The petitioner sought anticipatory bail, fearing arrest. The Court, considering the seriousness of the allegations, the victim’s statement, the minor status of the victim and the gravity of the offences, rejected the anticipatory bail application. Consequently, the petition for anticipatory bail was dismissed.
Issues considered
- Whether anticipatory bail should be granted to the petitioner given the seriousness of the alleged rape of a minor and the supporting victim statement.
Legislation cited
- BNS — s. 126, 351(2), 352, 64
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 — s. 183
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 — s. 12, 4, 8
Subjects
- anticipatory bail
- rape
- minor
- POCSO Act
- Criminal Procedure Code
- sexual offences
- bail
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.7658 of 2026
Arising Out of PS. Case No.-72 Year-2025 Thana- MAHILA P.S. District- Muzaffarpur
======================================================
Md. Meraj @ Meraj Udin Ikval Son of Md. Israil Resident of Village -
Bhawanipur, P.S. - Maniyari, Dist. - Muzaffarpur.
... ... Petitioner/s
Versus
1. The State of Bihar
2. Raushan Ara Wife of Md. Shaukat Ali Resident of Village - Bhavanipur, P.S.
- Maniyari, Dist. - Muzaffarpur.
... ... Opposite Party/s
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr. Sagar Kumar , Advocate
For the Opposite Party/s : Mr. Upendra Kumar , APP
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE PRABHAT KUMAR SINGH
ORAL ORDER
2 19-02-2026 Heard learned counsel for the parties.
2. Petitioner apprehends arrest in a case registered
for the offences punishable under Sections 126, 64, 352 and
351 (2) of BNS and 4, 8 and 12 of Protection of Cbhildren from
Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act ).
3 . As per F.I.R. informant alleged that on 19.07.2025
at about 8 PM, this petitioner entered into the house of
informant and committed rape upon the minor daughter of
informant.
4. The victim in her statement recorded under section
183 BNSS has supported the prosecution case and Court below
has assessed the age of the victim as 14 years (minor).
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.7658 of 2026(2) dt.19-02-2026
2/2
5. Considering the seriousness and nature of
accusation , 183 BNSS statement of the victim and gravity of
offence and other circumstances of the case , the prayer of
petitioner for anticipatory bail is rejected.
(Prabhat Kumar Singh, J)
Koushik/-
U T
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