Through: Ms. Madhupreet Nanda, proxy counsel v. STATE OF NCT OF DELHI

1. The applicant/accused seeks regular bail in case FIR No. 72/2021 of Police Station Kamla Market for offence under Section 363/366(A)/368/370/370(A)/372/376/34 IPC read with Section 3/4/5/6/7 ITP Act read with Section 6/17 POCSO Act.

2. None appeared on behalf of accused/applicant in the first call. Even in this second call, arguing counsel for accused/applicant has not appeared. This bail application was listed for the first time before the predecessor bench on 24.02.2025 and remains pending till date. As a part of 179 old pending bail applications, this application also was transferred to this bench BAIL APPLN. 808/2025 pages and today is the first date before me. Previous record also reflects that on past three consecutive dates, matter was being adjourned before the predecessor bench at request of learned counsel for accused/applicant.

3. Despite this backdrop, today none appeared on behalf of accused/applicant in the first call and the matter had to be passed over. Now even in second call, the arguing counsel has opted not to appear and has sent only a proxy counsel to seek adjournment or further passover. Further passover is not possible due to pending board. And adjournment, in circumstances mentioned in preceding paragraph would not be appropriate. But on being called upon to address arguments, learned proxy counsel for accused/applicant expresses inability.

4. I have examined the record including the seriousness of offence alleged against the accused/applicant, who allegedly pushed girls, including one minor girl into flesh trade, leading to their rape on multiple occasions.

5. Considering the above circumstances, this bail application is dismissed.

GIRISH KATHPALIA (JUDGE) FEBRUARY 26, 2026