The Telangana High Court declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Bandi Bageerath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in a case under the POCSO Act.
Justice T. Madhavi Devi heard arguments late into Friday night before stating she was not inclined to issue any interim order. The court reserved its final decision on the anticipatory bail petition, with orders expected on May 21 or sooner.
The case was registered on May 8 against Bageerath based on a complaint by the mother of a 17-year-old girl. It involves allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Counsel for Bageerath argued that the relationship was cordial and that the matter did not amount to penetrative sexual assault. The victim's counsel opposed relief, citing the influence of the accused's father and risks of evidence tampering.
The judge also noted concerns over a social media smear campaign related to the proceedings.