Karnataka High Court grants man accused of rape 15-day bail to marry survivor who turned 18
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka High Court has granted a 23-year-old man charged with the rape of a girl when she was 16 years and nine months of age, 15-day bail to marry her.
The families of both parties are in favour of the marriage, especially since the girl, who recently turned 18, has given birth to a child.
DNA tests have confirmed that the man charged with the rape is the child's biological father.
The court has ordered the petitioner, who must return to custody on the evening of July 3, to provide a marriage certificate at the next hearing on July 4.
The court said its decision aims to protect the interests of the child and support the young mother.
Justice M Nagaprasanna issued the interim order dated last Saturday in response to a petition from the accused, seeking to dismiss the charges as both families wish to proceed with the wedding.
The accused, who hails from Mysuru district, was arrested in February 2023 following allegations by the girl's mother that he repeatedly sexually assaulted her daughter, who was then 16 years and nine months old.
He faces charges under Section 376(2)(n) of the IPC and Sections 5(L), 5(j)(ii), and 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
In light of the circumstances, Justice Nagaprasanna noted the necessity of the marriage to support the young mother and child, given their vulnerable situation.
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Totally false: PM Modi on reports of govt planning to levy tax on foreign travel
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dismissed reports that the government is considering levying a tax or a cess or a surcharge on foreign travel as "totally false".
The prime minister said this in response to a new report suggesting that the government is considering levying a tax or a cess or a surcharge on foreign travel but no final decision has been taken yet.
"This is totally false. Not an iota of truth in this. There is no question of putting such restrictions on foreign travel. We remain committed to improving 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living' for our people," Modi said in a post on X.
It is rare that the prime minister himself has denied a media report.
The report, quoting sources, claimed that the proposal to levy a cess or a tax or a surcharge on foreign travel is being discussed at the highest levels.
