IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.1945 of 2026 Gouranga Routray …. Petitioner Mr. A.Tripathy, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha & another …. Opposite Parties Mrs. S.Mohanty, ASC Mr. D.R. Parida, Advocate for Informant CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 21.05.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties. 2. Instant petition under Section 482 BNSS is filed for pre-arrest bail of the petitioner in connection with Bolagarh P.S. Case No. 102 of 2024 corresponding to G.R. Case No.408 of 2024 pending in the file of learned 1st Additional District and Sessions Judge-4 (POCSO), Khurdha at Bhubaneswar on the grounds stated therein. 3. Recorded the submissions of learned counsel for the respective parties. This Court by order dated 12th May, 2026 had directed the State to take instructions regarding the F.I.R. lodged by the victim’s family. Mrs. Mohanty, learned ASC for the State submits that the pursuant to the F.I.R. lodged, a case has been registered and investigation is in progress. Mr. Tripathy, learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that it is a case of elopement of the victim with the petitioner and he is under interim protection and hence, till such time, the allegations in the F.I.R. recently lodged are enquired into and investigated upon, it should be allowed to continue. Mr. Parida, learned counsel for the informant submits that for the conduct of the petitioner, who is under interim protection, the interim order should not continue further, as in the meantime, the F.I.R. is lodged and refers to the Court’s order dated 5th May, 2026 in ABLAPL No. 1945 of 2026. Considering the submissions as above and since the F.I.R. is lodged and under investigation, this Court is not inclined to entertain the bail plea of the petitioner who is, however, at liberty to surrender before the learned court below seeking regular bail. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. 5. In the result, ABLAPL is disposed of. It is further directed that in the event, the petitioner surrenders before the learned 1st Additional District and Sessions Judge-4 (POCSO), Khurdha at Bhubaneswar within a period of three weeks from today in connection with G.R. Case No.408 of 2024 and moves an application for regular bail, it shall be entertained and disposed of on merit and according to law. 6. Issue urgent certified copy as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge kabita