[POCSO] Mumbai court grants bail to solicitor in sexual harassment case of 17-year-old

A Mumbai Sessions Court last week granted bail to a solicitor accused of sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl who was to begin an internship with him [Gajanan Chandraknat Khergamkar v. State of Maharashtra]. .The girl stated that on January 7, at a social event, the accused approached her stating he was a lawyer and journalist. He handed her a visiting card and asked her to visit his office. After that, the accused contacted her, when she indicated her willingness to do an internship.As per the complaint, a couple of days later, the accused invited her for a photoshoot and took her to various places in Colaba where he enquired about the teen's personal details. During this meeting, the accused allegedly moved his hands over her legs, which frightened her.She informed her mother about the incident the same day. However, the complaint was lodged after 3 days as she was unwell..The accused claimed to be an editor, solicitor and a documentary film-maker who owned a media/legal firm taking up social causes. He denied the allegations against him, adding that the delay in filing the FIR had not been explained. He stated that there was no recovery required from him and hence, his custody was not required. .Special POCSO Judge Nazeera Shaikh observed that the accused had deep roots in the society and had no chances of absconding. The judge further noted that imposing stringent conditions on the accused will take care of the concerns and apprehensions of the prosecution of tampering with witnesses and evidence. "The preliminary investigation is completed and no further ground for his custodial interrogation can be seen. Therefore, in these circumstances, considering the nature of offence, incident and background of the applicant, he is entitled to be released on bail," the order stated..The accused was directed to be released upon furnishing of bail bond of ₹20,000. He was directed not to tamper with evidence and witnesses.He was also asked to quarantine himself for 14 days post release from prison..Advocate Karansingh Rajput appeared for the accused. Special Public Prosecutor Geeta Sharma appeared for the State.[Read order]