The Telangana High Court on Friday declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Bandi Bageerath Sai in connection with a case registered under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, marking a setback for the petitioner in the ongoing legal proceedings.Justice T Madhavi Devi, who resumed hearing the interim anticipatory bail plea in the evening session, observed that she was not inclined to pass any interim order at this stage.

The court, which continued proceedings until late night, indicated that a detailed order on the bail application would be delivered on the next available vacation court day.The petition sought anticipatory bail and interim protection from arrest while the court examined the merits of the case. During arguments, counsel for the accused urged the court to consider granting interim relief, citing the inherent powers of the judiciary to protect liberty pending final disposal of the plea.

However, the prosecution and the victim’s counsel opposed the request, arguing that custodial protection could hamper the investigation.The case arises from an FIR lodged on May 8 following a complaint by the mother of a 17-year-old girl alleging sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. Subsequent statements recorded by investigators led to the invocation of stricter provisions under the POCSO Act, which deals with offences against minors.

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Authorities have not yet made any final determination of guilt, and the investigation remains ongoing.During the hearing, the victim’s counsel argued that the accused comes from an influential background, suggesting there could be a risk of evidence tampering if relief were granted. In contrast, the defence contended that the relationship between the two individuals was consensual and pointed to prior interactions between the families, including social gatherings and travel.

The court also noted concerns regarding social media commentary surrounding the case, with Justice Madhavi Devi expressing discomfort over what she described as a smear campaign influencing public discourse. The matter will now return for further judicial consideration when the detailed order on anticipatory bail is issued.

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