The son of a Union minister failed to appear before a special court in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case on Monday, prompting the court to issue a non-bailable warrant against him. The accused, who is the son of a prominent Union minister, was scheduled to appear before the special POCSO court in connection with a case registered under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Details of the Case
The case pertains to allegations of sexual assault against a minor girl. The victim's family had filed a complaint with the police, leading to the registration of a case under the POCSO Act. The accused was granted bail earlier, with the condition that he appear before the court on the scheduled dates.
However, on the day of the hearing, the accused did not appear, citing health reasons. His counsel informed the court that the accused was unwell and unable to attend. The court, however, was not satisfied with the explanation and observed that the accused had been avoiding court appearances consistently.
Court's Observation
The special judge noted that the accused had failed to appear on multiple occasions despite being granted bail. The court remarked that such behavior indicated a deliberate attempt to delay the proceedings. Consequently, the court issued a non-bailable warrant against the accused to ensure his presence at the next hearing.
The prosecution opposed any further adjournment, arguing that the accused was deliberately avoiding the trial. The court agreed with the prosecution and directed the police to execute the warrant and produce the accused before the court on the next date.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to 2022 when the victim's family lodged a complaint alleging that the accused had sexually assaulted their minor daughter. The accused was arrested and later granted bail by the court. Since then, the trial has been progressing slowly, with the accused frequently seeking adjournments on various grounds.
The victim's family has expressed frustration over the delays and has demanded a speedy trial. They have also sought protection from any potential harassment by the accused or his family.
Legal Implications
The issuance of a non-bailable warrant is a serious step in legal proceedings. It indicates that the court considers the accused's non-appearance as a violation of bail conditions. The accused now faces the risk of arrest and possible cancellation of bail if he fails to appear before the court.
The next hearing is scheduled for later this month, and the court has directed the police to ensure the accused's presence. The case continues to draw attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused's father.
