Why did the Bombay High Court grant bail to the man accused of impregnating his underage fiancée?

During the hearing, the girl’s father explained to the court that he and his wife had serious health problems. His wife had a heart condition and he was dealing with a brain disease. Fearing an untimely death, they arranged to marry off their daughter at the age of 14 to secure her future. Unfortunately, the mother passed away shortly before the bail hearing, adding to the family’s distress.

The court emphasized the parents’ intention to protect their daughters from social pressures and stated:

“They wanted to protect a girl from the evil eyes of society. Under these challenging circumstances, they decided to marry the applicant and the victim. This can be a real basis and touch the social structure of our country.“