2026:JHHC:26585 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI Criminal Appeal (S.J) No.495 of 2026 ---- Akash Mahto, aged about 17 years, son of Narayan Mahato @ Narayan Mahto, resident of Vill.- Baburamdih, P.O. Baburamdih, P.S. Tamar, District Ranchi, Jharkhand represented through his natural guardian, Narayan Mahato @ Narayan Mahto, aged about 56 years, S/o Abhiram Mahato, R/o Vill Baburamdih, P.O. Baburamdih, P.S. Tomar, District Ranchi, Jharkhand. …. …. Appellant(s) -Versus- 1. The State of Jharkhand 2. XXXX (Victim) …. …. Respondent(s) ---- CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJESH KUMAR ---- For the Appellant : Mr. Karan Kaushik, Advocate For the State : Mrs. Shweta Singh, APP ---- 03/Dated: 02nd September, 2026 1. Heard learned counsel for the appellant and learned APP for the State. 2. In spite of valid service of notice, nobody appears on behalf of the victim. 3. The present appeal has been filed against the order dated 04.05.2026 passed by the learned Additional Judicial Commissioner-IV-cum-Special Judge, POCSO Act, Ranchi in Misc. Cr. Application No.931 of 2026 in connection with Children Case No.08 of 2026 arising out of Tamar P.S. Case No.110 of 2025, for the offence under Section 70(1) of the B.N.S., 2023, by which, prayer for bail of the appellant has been rejected. The case is presently pending before the Court of learned Additional Judicial Commissioner-IV-cum-Special Judge, POCSO Act, Ranchi.

4. The juvenile in conflict with law, is in custody since 12.10.2025, has approached this Court for release through his father who is ready and willing to keep the child under his custody with proper care. However, the crime is heinous in nature but the material available against this appellant suggests that he was present at the crime scene. His participation is based on the material i.e. confession of the co-accused. Neither TIP has been held nor he has named in the FIR. In similar circumstances, a Co-ordinate Bench of this Court has granted bail to the main accused, namely, Umesh Mahto and 2026:JHHC:26585 Tulsidas Mahto vide order dated 06.05.2026 passed in B.A. No.2645 of 2026 and in B.A. No.3520 of 2026 respectively. 5. On the other hand, learned counsel for the State has opposed the prayer for bail of the appellant. 6. Considering the social investigation report and the above factual matrix, the appellant is directed to be released on bail on furnishing bail bond of Rs.10,000/- (Ten thousand) with two sureties of the like amount each to the satisfaction of learned Additional Judicial Commissioner-IV-cum-Special Judge, POCSO Act, Ranchi in connection with Children Case No.08 of 2026 arising out of Tamar P.S. Case No.110 of 2025, subject to the condition that one of the bailors must be the father of the appellant.

7. Further, concerned Probation Officer is directed to report, once in three months, to the Children's Court, Ranchi regarding the conduct of the juvenile. The Children’s Court is at liberty to take the juvenile in custody if his conduct is not found appropriate. 8. Accordingly, instant criminal appeal is allowed and disposed of. (Rajesh Kumar, J.) Dated: 02nd September, 2026 Madhav/- Uploaded on:03/09/2026 2. Criminal Appeal (S.J) No.495 of 2026