LI Network
Published on: 30 January, 2024 at 13:00 IST
The Kerala High Court, in a recent development, has granted bail to a drawing teacher accused of sexually assaulting six students.
Justice Sophy Thomas allowed the bail petition, expressing skepticism about the alleged incident occurring on the same day.
Justice Thomas acknowledged the delay of six days in reporting the complaint by the victimized girls and cast doubt on the likelihood of the petitioner assaulting six students of the same class on the same day.
The Court noted that the petitioner has been in judicial custody since December 20, 2023, and significant progress has been made in the investigation, leading to the decision to grant bail.
The prosecution contended that on December 12, 2023, between 11:20 am and 12 noon, the petitioner assaulted the students.
In response, the petitioner’s counsel highlighted the delayed reporting and argued that the continued detention of the accused is unnecessary for the ongoing investigation.
Several conditions were imposed for bail, including a three-month restriction or until the conclusion of the investigation, whichever is earlier, on the petitioner entering the school premises.
Additionally, the petitioner is prohibited from contacting the victims or their families and influencing or intimidating them directly or indirectly.
The Court also ordered that the petitioner should not tamper with the investigation or intimidate witnesses.
The charges against the petitioner include Sections 354(1)(i) of IPC (Assault of criminal force to a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), Section 10 read with Section 9(f) (aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and Section 75 (punishment for cruelty to a child) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Case Title: XXX v. State of Kerala
