Sexual assault: Civic Chandran’s anticipatory bail should be revoked, HC to hear govt’s plea today

KOCHI: The high court on Wednesday will hear the plea filed by the government against the Kozhikode District Sessions Court's verdict granting anticipatory bail to writer Civic Chandran in a sexual assault case. The plea will be heard by Justice Kauser Edappagath.

The government’s plea is against the granting of anticipatory bail to Civic Chandran in the case of attempting to sexually abuse a young writer at Nandi beach. The government also sought in its plea to cancel the controversial observation that the complainant had worn provocative clothes.

The lower court’s observation is illogical and questions the woman’s constitutional freedom, stated the plea. According to the young writer’s complaint, while she was resting on the beach after a cultural camp held on February 8, 2020, Civic Chandran grabbed her and asked her to lie on his lap. Civic Chandran was granted bail on August 12 by the Kozhikode District Sessions Court.

Meantime, Kozhikode District Sessions Judge S Krishna Kumar, who had granted the controversial bail to Civic Chandran, was transferred. He has been appointed as the presiding officer at Kollam Labour Court. Mancheri District Judge S Muralikrishnan has been appointed as the new Kozhikode district judge.