ORDER : 1. Leave granted. 2. This appeal challenges the order dated 04.10.2024 passed by the High Court of Kerala in Bail Appl. No. 7462/2024. 3. Apprehending arrest in connection with the crime registered pursuant to FIR No. 939 of 2024 dated 31.08.2024 lodged with Mala Police Station, Thrissur Rural District in respect of the offences punishable under Sections 354, 354(A)(i) and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Sections 7, 8, 9(p), 10, 11(iv) and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the appellant preferred an application before the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in terms of Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 ("B.N.S.S." for short). 4. Said application for anticipatory bail having been rejected by the High Court vide impugned order dated 04.10.2024, the instant appeal has been preferred. 5. Vide order dated 24.10.2024, while issuing notice, this Court directed that no coercive action be taken against the appellant till next date of hearing. 6. We have heard learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of appellant and learned counsel for the respondent-state. 7. Learned senior counsel for the appellant submitted that there is an unexplained delay of one year and two months in lodging of the FIR in respect of the incident said to have been occurred as early as in the second week of June, 2023. He further submitted that the appellant is a Priest in a Church and the allegations against him are wholly incorrect. In the circumstances, the impugned order(s) may be set aside and relief of anticipatory bail may be granted to the appellant herein. 8. Per contra, learned counsel for the respondent/State with reference to his Counter Affidavit contended that there is no such delay in lodging the FIR which in any case has been explained; that the charges against the appellant herein are serious and hence there is no merit in the appeal. 9. Considering the circumstances on record, in our view, the appellant is entitled to the relief claimed under Section 482 of the B.N.S.S. 10. We, therefore, allow this appeal and set aside the order passed by the High Court dated 04.10.2024. We direct that in the event of arrest of the appellant, the Arresting Officer shall release the appellant on bail, subject to furnishing cash security in the sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty-Five Thousand only) with two like sureties. 11. We, therefore, allow this appeal and set aside the order passed by the High Court dated 04.10.2024. We direct that in the event of arrest of the appellant, the Arresting Officer shall release the appellant on bail, subject to furnishing cash security in the sum of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty-Five Thousand only) with two like sureties. 11. It is directed that the appellant shall extend complete cooperation in the ensuing investigation. The appellant shall not misuse his liberty and shall not in any way influence the witnesses or tamper with the material on record. 12. With the aforesaid directions, the criminal appeal is allowed.