Mumbai POCSO Court Grants 4-Day Bail To Teen Accused In Rape Case For NEET Retest

Last Updated:June 19, 2026, 10:31 IST

It further directed the accused to surrender before the authorities by 2 pm on June 22, a day after the re-examination.

A special POCSO court in Mumbai has granted four-day temporary bail to an 18-year-old man, who is in jail on rape charges, to allow him to appear for the NEET retest scheduled on June 21.

The order was passed on Thursday by Special Judge S R Sharma, who allowed relief to the accused lodged at Taloja Central Prison in Navi Mumbai. The survivor had given her no objection, subject to the condition that he would not defame or threaten her family during the bail period.

The court granted temporary bail from June 18 to June 21 against a bond of Rs 50,000 with a surety of an equal amount.

It further directed the accused to surrender before the authorities by 2 pm on June 22, a day after the re-examination.

The 18-year-old has been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rape, along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

Defence counsel Kapil Vishwas Zodge argued that the criminal justice system seeks to support rehabilitation and that the accused should be given a chance to appear for the medical entrance exam to correct his past actions.

He also submitted that preparing for the exam under police escort would adversely impact the accused’s mental condition.

Opposing the plea, Special Public Prosecutor Chaitrali Panshikar cited the seriousness of the allegations and argued against granting temporary bail.

The prosecution instead suggested that the accused be permitted to take the exam under police escort for one day only.

After examining the higher secondary certificate and provisional NEET admit card submitted by the defence, the court observed that there were “perspicuous valid grounds" for granting temporary bail.

It noted that concerns raised by the prosecution could be addressed by imposing appropriate conditions.

While granting relief, the court imposed strict restrictions, including a bar on contacting the victim, tampering with evidence, or influencing witnesses.

The accused was also directed to submit an undertaking confirming his appearance for the exam and later provide proof of attendance upon surrendering.

(With inputs from PTI)

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