1 2026:JHHC:596 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND, RANCHI B.A. No. 11164 of 2025 ---- Ritik Nayak aged about 23 years, son of Manoj Nayak, resident of Village Baraik Toli, PO and PS Khunti, District Khunti .... Petitioner -- Versus -- The State of Jharkhand .... Opposite Party ---- CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR DWIVEDI --- For the Petitioner :- Mr. Gaurav, Advocate For the State :- Mr. Santosh Kumar Shukla, Advocate ---- 2/12.01.2026 Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent State. 2. This application has been filed for grant of regular bail to the petitioner in connection with Khunti P.S. Case No.164 of 2024 corresponding to POCSO Case No.10 of 2025, registered for the offence under sections 137(2)/96 of BNS, 2023 and section 4 and 6 of POCSO Act, pending in court of learned Additional Sessions Judge-I, Khunti. 3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that false allegations are made against the petitioner of kidnapping of the daughter of the informant. He next submits that both were in relationship and they have solemnized marriage in Kochi Temple, in Silli and they were residing in a rented house of Nitish Dutta at Silli. He also submits that the age of the girl has been assessed to be above 18 years by the Medical Board which has come 2 in the case diary. He next submits that the girl has stated under section 180 of BNSS, 2023, that she has solemnized marriage along with the petitioner and the petitioner is in custody since 02.09.2025. 4. The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent State opposed the prayer of regular bail of the petitioner and submits that there is allegation of taking away the girl by the petitioner. 5. Considering that under section 180 of the BNSS, 2023 the girl has stated that she has solemnized the marriage along with the petitioner voluntarily and she has also stated that they are residing in a rented house as husband and wife and the petitioner is in custody since 02.09.2025, I am inclined to grant regular bail to the petitioner. 6. Accordingly, petitioner, above named, is hereby directed to be released on bail, on furnishing bail bond of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand), with two sureties of like amount each, to satisfaction of learned Additional Sessions Judge-I, Khunti, in connection with Khunti P.S. Case No.164 of 2024 corresponding to POCSO Case No.10 of 2025. ( Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi, J.) Dated: 12th January, 2026 SI/