The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to a radiologist from K R Pete in Mandya district who was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following an inspection of scanning centres by the Lokayukta on April 17, 2026.
The radiologist was arrested and named as a co-accused for allegedly failing to comply with the mandatory reporting requirement under Section 19 of the POCSO Act. Authorities alleged that a scanning procedure had been conducted on a girl below the age of 18 at his diagnostic centre.
Court examines nature of offence
Earlier, on May 8, a special court had rejected the radiologist’s bail plea. Challenging the decision before the High Court, the petitioner argued that punishment for violation of Section 19 is prescribed under Section 21 of the Act, which carries a maximum punishment of six months’ simple imprisonment with or without a fine.
He contended that the alleged offence was bailable in nature and could not be equated with more serious offences under the POCSO Act.
High Court grants relief
Justice M G S Kamal, after examining the records, referred to a ruling of the Orissa High Court, which held that non-compliance with Section 19 constitutes a lesser offence.
Observing that the offence was bailable, the High Court noted that the special court ought not to have denied bail in such circumstances.
The court subsequently ordered the radiologist’s release on a personal bond of ₹50,000 along with two sureties for a similar amount to the satisfaction of the jurisdictional court.
Focus on legal interpretation
The ruling highlights the distinction between offences involving failure to report under the POCSO Act and substantive offences under the legislation. The case will continue before the appropriate court in accordance with legal procedures.