( 2026:JHHC:20180 ) IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI B.A. No. 6285 of 2026 Vikash Kumar Mahto son of Lakhi Prasad Mahto … … Petitioner Versus The State of Jharkhand … … Opp. Party --- CORAM :HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE ANUBHA RAWAT CHOUDHARY --- For the Petitioner : Mr. Saibal Mitra, Advocate For the Opp. Party : Mr. Rakesh Ranjan, APP --- 02/08.07.2026 Heard the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the parties. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in custody in connection with Special POCSO Case No. 42 of 2025, arising out of Gola P.S. Case No. 114 of 2025, for the offences registered under Sections 65(1), 69 of the B.N.S. 2023 and under Section 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act, pending in the court of learned Sessions Judge, Ramgarh. 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in custody since 17.10.2025 and it has been alleged in the FIR that the 1st incident of sexual abuse of the victim occurred sometimes in the year 2021 when the victim was 14 years of age. However, when the FIR was lodged, the victim was major on the date of FIR. There is allegation that the petitioner continued to have physical relationship with the victim on the pretext of marriage. 4. Learned counsel for the opposite party-State has opposed the prayer for bail and has submitted that trial is going on and out of 8 witnesses, 04 have already been examined and the charge was framed under Section 64(2) (m), 69 of BNS, 2023 and Section 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act on 25.02.2026. 5. After hearing the learned counsel for the parties and considering the direct allegation made against the petitioner and that the trial is going on, this court is not inclined to enlarge the petitioner above named on bail. Accordingly, prayer for bail of the petitioner above named is rejected. ( 2026:JHHC:20180 ) 2 6. However, the State is directed to ensure that the remaining witnesses be promptly produced before the court. 7. Learned counsel for the State is directed to communicate this order to the Director, Prosecution and the Superintendent of Police of the concerned District to ensure compliance. 8. Let this order be communicated to the concerned court through FAX/e-mail. (Anubha Rawat Choudhary, J.) Dated: 08.07.2026 Uploaded on 10.07.2026 Binit/