IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.1925 of 2026 Gopinatha Barik …. Petitioner Mr. D. Biswal, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Ms. S. Mohanty, ASC CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 08.04.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties. 2. Instant petition has been filed under Section 482 BNSS by the petitioner seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with Simulia P.S. Case No.0566 of 2026 corresponding to Special Case No.361 of 2026 pending in the court of learned Special Court under POCSO Act, Balasore on the grounds stated. 3. Perused the FIR as at Annexure-1. The allegation against the petitioner is that the petitioner being the father of the principal accused demanded the money from the victim’s family. A case under Section 6 of the POCSO Act is registered and it is informed to this Court by Mr. Biswal, learned counsel for the petitioner that the principal accused is on bail by the order of the learned Special Court. Recording such submission and nature of allegation against the petitioner unconnected to the act of said mischief alleged against his son, who is already on bail, this Court, though not in favour of considering him granting pre-arrest bail but is of the view that he should surrender before the learned court below for being released with conditions. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. 5. In the result, the ABLAPL petition stands disposed of with a direction to the petitioner to surrender before learned Special Court under POCSO Act, Balasore within a fortnight from today and in the event, he surrenders in compliance thereof, shall be released on bail in connection with Special Case No.361 of 2026 on furnishing a bail bond of Rs.20,000/- (rupees twenty thousand) with one solvent surety for the like amount to the satisfaction of the court below, which shall be at liberty to impose such other suitable conditions as deemed just and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge Balaram Designation: PERSONAL ASSISTANT