The Telangana High Court has granted regular bail to the son of a Union Minister booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), observing that the apprehensions raised by the prosecution and the de facto complainant could be effectively addressed by imposing stringent conditions to protect the investigation and the trial.
Justice K. Sujana was hearing a petition filed by Bandi Sai Bageerath @ Bhageerath, who sought regular bail in connection with a case registered at Petbasheerabad Police Station, Medchal-Malkajgiri district. According to the prosecution, the case concerns allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. The petitioner has been in judicial custody since May 16, 2026.
On behalf of the petitioner, it was argued that he had cooperated with the investigation, including during police custody, and that the investigation was substantially complete except for the filing of the charge sheet. Counsel also pointed out that the petitioner had earlier been granted interim bail to appear for his BBA supplementary examinations and had surrendered within the stipulated time without violating any of the conditions imposed by the Court.
The State opposed the plea, contending that the allegations were serious and expressing concern that the petitioner could influence witnesses or interfere with the investigation if released. The de facto complainant also submitted that certain aspects of the investigation remained pending and that bail at this stage could adversely affect the prosecution. While considering the plea, the Court reiterated the settled principles governing grant of bail.
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“The Court is required to strike a balance between the fundamental right to personal liberty of the accused and the interest of a fair investigation and administration of criminal justice.”
The Court noted the submission of the Public Prosecutor that the investigation was almost complete except for the filing of the charge sheet. It also recorded that the statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Forensic Science Laboratory report had been produced before it in a sealed cover. As regards the concerns expressed over the investigation, the Court observed that the de facto complainant would be at liberty to pursue appropriate legal remedies at the relevant stage.
Finding that the prosecution’s concerns could be addressed through strict safeguards, the Court granted bail subject to several conditions. These include furnishing a personal bond of ₹1 lakh with two sureties, appearing before the investigating officer every Monday for eight weeks or until the filing of the charge sheet, and refraining from contacting or attempting to influence the survivor, the complainant or prosecution witnesses.
The Court further directed that the petitioner shall not visit places frequented by the survivor, shall not make any public statements or media appearances relating to the case, and shall not post or circulate any content concerning the proceedings, the survivor or witnesses on social media until the conclusion of the trial. It clarified that in case of any violation of these conditions it shall be open to the prosecution or defacto complainant to seek cancellation of bail.
