Kochi: The Kozhikode Sessions Court of Kerala has made yet another controversial observation in the sexual harassment case registered against social activist and writer Civic Chandran. The court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to the accused Chandran, observing that the offence against the accused under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is not established as it is not maintainable that the victim belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC). Even after knowing the accused touched the woman.
Referring to various sections of the SC/ST Act, the Kozhikode Sessions Court has observed that the accused shall be aware that the victim belongs to the SC/ST category and that such an act without her consent amounts to sexual exploitation. The complainant had alleged that Chandran had kissed her on the back of his neck while expressing his love. The court, while granting anticipatory bail to the accused, said that it is highly unbelievable that the accused had any information regarding her caste before allegedly touching or hugging the victim. The accused is a reformist. Involved in social activities and is against the caste system.
The court observed that in view of the age and health of the accused, it cannot be believed that he would have kissed the back of the woman, who is taller than the accused. The Court also observed that there were cordial relations between the two. This case has been filed to malign the image of the accused in the society.
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