p. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.9308 of 2025 Soumya Ranjan Rout …. Petitioner Mr. R. Behera, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha & another …. Opposite Parties Mr. N. S. Das, ASC Mr. A.K. Nath, Advocate for informant CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 23.02.2026 05. 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 Angul Sadar P.S. Case No.421 of 2025 corresponding to G.R. Case No.710 of 2025 arising out of Special Case (POCSO) No.58 of 2025 pending in the court of learned Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court under POCSO, Angul on the grounds stated. 3. Perused the FIR as at Annexure-1. From the report, it is made to reveal that the victim went missing and hence, it was lodged by the informant father. The case diary and other relevant documents are produced by learned counsel for the State including the victim’s statement recorded before the Magistrate under Section 183 BNSS. The submission is that the petitioner was granted bail by order dated 13th August, 2025, however, it was recalled on 25th September, 2025 in IA p. 2 No.1776 of 2025 since an offence under Section 6 of the POCSO Act was alleged. The victim’s statement before the Magistrate is perused and it reveals that she accompanied the petitioner and travelled to different places and during that time, both of them have had physical relationship. Mr. Nath, learned counsel for the informant submits that the victim is a minor and the alleged mischief has been committed by the petitioner and hence, he should not be granted pre-arrest bail. Recorded the objection of the State as well to the same effect. Considering the fact that the parties had an elopement, whereafter, the report was lodged and that the victim is a minor and presently she is at a shelter home as informed by Mr. Behera, learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court even though not inclined to grant him pre-arrest bail but is of the view that the petitioner should be directed to surrender before the Special Court for being released with suitable conditions. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. 5. In the result, the ABLAPL is disposed of with the direction as aforesaid. It is directed that in the event, the petitioner surrenders before learned Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court under POCSO, Angul in connection with Angul Sadar P.S. Case No.421 of 2025 corresponding to G.R. Case No.710 of 2025 arising out of Special Case (POCSO) No.58 of 2025 within a fortnight from today and moves an application for bail, he shall be released on bail upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs.25,000/-(rupees twenty five thousand) with one solvent surety for the like amount with p. 3 such other conditions besides the following, such as, he shall not cause any harm to the informant and commit any further mischief with the involvement of the victim, who is presently staying in a shelter home. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge TUDU Designation: Sr. Stenographer