Panchkula, April 17 -- A Panchkula court has denied bail to a 19-year-old Karnal resident accused of sharing sexually explicit material involving children on social media, observing that the alleged offence "strikes at the very foundation of societal morality, and the dignity and protection accorded to children."

Rejecting the accused's second bail application on Wednesday, the additional sessions judge said the allegations, if proven, amount to a grave assault on minors and contribute to the perpetuation of child sexual exploitation.

"The offence is not only heinous but also affects the most vulnerable section of the society, i.e., children. The larger societal interest and the need to deter such cyber offences must weigh heavily with ...