Controversial Bail in Delhi School Assault Case Sparks Outrage

The Delhi High Court is facing intense scrutiny as city police demand the cancellation of bail for Lalit Kumar, a school staff member accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl in Janakpuri. The incident, which occurred earlier this month, has sparked nationwide outrage.

Justice Saurabh Banerjee has issued a notice to the accused, highlighting the contentious decision of the trial court to grant Kumar bail on May 7, despite serious charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The prosecution, supported by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, argues that the minimum sentence for such an offense is 20 years imprisonment.

The case has escalated, drawing legal actions from both the police and the victim's family. The court is set to hear these petitions on May 29. The incident was reported after the child's mother noticed signs of distress following her school visit. The accused was identified by the survivor and subsequently arrested but was released on bail, causing public dissent and further legal challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)