The judge granted bail to Pandhare saying that the victim, who had attained the age of understanding, had continued with physical relations with the accused despite knowing the fact that he was married. (Photo: Representational)

Mumbai: A sessions court has granted bail to a rape accused who was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for entering into a physical relationship with a 16-year-old girl after promising to marry her, even though he was already married. The court, while granting bail, referred to a high court order, which stated that in the absence of any physical assault and the victim attaining the age of understanding, it was a case fit for bail to be granted.

A special court, presided by special judge Rekha Pandhare, was hearing the bail application of Deepak Bhandare. The judge granted bail to Pandhare saying that the victim, who had attained the age of understanding, had continued with physical relations with the accused despite knowing the fact that he was married.