Kochi: A controversy has erupted over the remarks made by a court in Kerala's Kozhikode district in a sexual harassment case. In fact, the court, while granting anticipatory bail to the accused, said that if the woman wears a seductive dress, then prima facie the accused is not booked for sexual harassment under Section 354 of the IPC. Now a dispute has arisen on this decision of the court. Justice S Krishnakumar said this while granting anticipatory bail to activist and writer Civic Chandran. Chandran was accused of molesting a writer two years ago.  

Women activists and former judges have objected to the court's observation. Not only this, the objectors have demanded that the High Court should now intervene in this matter. Along with this, the victim has also said that she will move to the High Court soon. While granting bail to Chandran, the judge said, "The photographs given by the accused along with his application show that the complainant was wearing a dress which was seductive. In such a situation, a case is not made out against the accused under Section 354. Questioning the decision, close relatives of the victim said it was shocking that some pictures of social media were presented in the court.''

The court also said that it should come to light as to why there was a delay in registering an FIR in the case. The FIR in the case was registered two years later, while the incident dates back to February 2020. The complainant woman said that there was a conference of writers and the incident took place in that. In her complaint, the woman said the accused writer used to call her frequently and harass her. When the writer crossed all limits, she decided to file a complaint.

The court also cited the age of the accused and his physical condition. The court said, "Even if it is assumed that there was physical contact, it is difficult to believe how a person aged 74 years and physically challenged can forcibly make someone sit on his lap and press her private parts.". In such a situation, the accused should be given anticipatory bail in this case.

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