P.G. Manu v. State of Kerala

Kashish SaxenaCase Summary

Bail application in a case involving rape, recording of the act, and blackmailing

P.G. Manu v. State of Kerala
In the High Court of Kerala
B.A. 1499/2024
Before Justice Sophy Thomas
Decided on March 22, 2024

Relevancy of the case: Bail application in a case involving rape, recording of the act, and blackmailing

Statutes and Provisions Involved

  • The Information Technology Act, 2000 (Section 67A, 66E)
  • The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 439)
  • The Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Section 450, 354, 376, 506)

Relevant Facts of the Case

  • The petitioner was a senior government pleader in the High Court of Kerala.
  • On October 9, 2023, a sexual assault survivor approached him for assistance. The next day, he raped her in his office, took photos and regularly sent her obscene videos.
  • On October 24, 2023, he threatened her with false implication and again committed rape inside his office.
  • The survivor impleaded herself as the 2nd respondent and objected to the bail application.

Prominent Arguments by the Advocates

  • The petitioner’s counsel argued that the police had completed the investigation and filed the final report, so further detention of the petitioner was not necessary.

Opinion of the Bench

  • The petitioner’s status and position put him in a dominant position. Sexual exploitation of a woman in need is a grave matter.
  • However, since the police has completed the investigation and filed the final report, further detention is unnecessary.

Final Decision

  • The bench granted bail with certain conditions.