KOCHI: High Court is set to privately hear the anticipatory bail plea of former Government Pleader, Adv PG Manu who stands accused of assaulting a young woman seeking legal assistance. The petition originally scheduled for a hearing on December 14th has been moved for a confidential session by Justice P Gopinath's bench.

During the initial hearing on Tuesday, the Additional Director General of Prosecutions insisted on maintaining secrecy to safeguard the privacy of the victim and her parents. Consequently, the court modified the plea, agreeing to hold the hearing confidentially at 4 pm on the 14th. Another case involving the same woman is also under consideration. It is in this case the woman sought help from Adv Manu.

The young woman lodged a complaint alleging molestation by an individual last October while seeking legal assistance resulting in a case registered by the Chottanikkara police. In Adv Manu's anticipatory bail application, he denied the alleged behaviour and claimed it was orchestrated by adversaries within his professional sphere. Furthermore, Manu highlighted slanderous campaigns on social media targeting him and his family.