2026:JHHC:4184 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI B.A No.9726 of 2025 Shailendra Yadav, aged about 24 years, Son of Paras Ram, Resident of Village – Kehin Charode 31, Kogdi, P.O & P.S. - Durge, Dist. - Durge, Chhattisgarh. …… Petitioner Versus The State of Jharkhand ….. Opp. Party --------- CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH KUMAR --------- For the Petitioner : Mr. Kamdeo Pandey, Advocate For the State : Mrs. Lily Sahay, A.P.P --------- 04/Dated: 16 th February, 2026 1. Heard learned counsel for the parties. 2. The applicant, who is in custody since 06.08.2025, has approached this Court for grant of regular bail in connection with POCSO Case No.116 of 2025, arising out of Bengabad P.S. Case No.107 of 2025, registered for the offence under Section 96 of the B.N.S, 2023 and under Sections 8/ 12 of the POCSO Act, pending in the court of learned Special Judge, POCSO Act, Giridih. 3. It has been submitted by the learned counsel for the applicant that complete set of F.I.R along with its enclosures have been annexed with the present bail application and there is no suppression on his/ her part. Innocence of the applicant has been claimed and undertaking has been given for participation in the trial. Only defence has been taken that it is consensual relationship and as such, no offence is made out. On the above basis, prayer for bail has been made. 4. Learned A.P.P has opposed the prayer for bail. 5. Having heard learned counsel for the parties and from perusal of record, it appears that the age of the victim is 13 years and 02 months and as such consent does not matter. 6. Considering the nature of crime, age of the girl and the materials available on record, I am not inclined to enlarge the applicant on bail, at this stage. Accordingly, the prayer for bail of the applicant is rejected. (Rajesh Kumar, J.) 16th February, 2026 Ravi-Chandan/- Uploaded on 17.02.2026