Kerala High Court Allows In-Camera Proceedings For Former Govt Pleader's Anticipatory Bail Application In Alleged Rape Case

“Based on the submissions of the Additional Director General of Prosecutions, it is better that hearing of case is held in camera. Considering the above request, proceedings will be held on 4 PM on 14.12.2023 in camera.”, Justice Gopinath P stated in the anticipatory bail application moved by the petitioner.

The court was informed that certain facts have to be disclosed during the hearing which has to be recorded in camera for the benefit of the victim.

Based on the sexual harassment allegations, Manu resigned from his post as Senior Government Pleader. Earlier, the Court had orally noted that no special considerations would be given to the petitioner because he is a lawyer.

The allegation was that the petitioner had established 'unholy relationship' under the guise of taking instructions and raped the victim at her house and his office. The petitioner had denied all the allegations and submitted that the registration of the case was a 'calculated attempt' from the part of his professional rivalries after colluding with the victim.

The matter has been posted to 14^th December, 2023 at 4 PM for in-camera hearing.

The plea has been moved through Advocates C.P. Udayabhanu, Navaneeth N. Nath, Rassal Janardhanan A., Abhishek M. Kunnathu, Boban Palat, P.U. Pratheesh Kumar, P.R. Ajay, and K.U. Swapnil.

Case Title: P.G. Manu v. State of Kerala

Case Number: Bail Appl. 10796/ 2023