The Bombay High Court has granted bail to a 22-year-old college student who was arrested for allegedly raping a woman. The Court noted that the complaint might be based on influence from the woman’s ex-boyfriend, and that there is a possibility the act was consensual.
The case was heard on August 22 by Justice Makarand S Karnik, who was reviewing the student’s bail application.
According to the FIR filed in April 2022, the woman had earlier been in a relationship with the student’s friend. After the breakup, she began speaking to the applicant, who tried to reconcile her with her ex-boyfriend. The FIR states that the student asked the woman to come to a lodge, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.
The student’s lawyer, Advocate Pankaj D Purway, argued that the FIR was filed two days after the alleged incident and questioned the delay. However, the court clarified that a delay alone isn’t enough to decide on granting bail.
The Mumbai Police opposed the bail, claiming that the student took advantage of the woman’s emotional state and that the act was serious.
However, after reviewing the woman’s statement and their WhatsApp chats, the judge said there was a prima facie view that the physical relationship might have been consensual.
The court also took note that the student had been in custody for over 1 year and 4 months, and that the police investigation was complete, with a chargesheet already filed.
“The applicant is only 22 years old and is a student. He can be released on bail,” said Justice Karnik.
The Court directed the student to submit a personal bond of ₹25,000, along with sureties of the same amount as part of his bail conditions.
📁 Case Summary:
- Accused: 22-year-old student
- Charge: Sexual assault under rape laws
- Court Decision: Bail granted
- Conditions: ₹25,000 bond + sureties
- Judge: Justice Makarand S Karnik
- Case Origin: Mumbai, FIR filed April 2022
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