SEMAOUN RAMBAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application for bail filed under Sec. 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

(2.) The petitioner is the accused in Crime No.194 of 2023 of Oonnukal Police Station, Ernakulam. He allegedly had committed the offences punishable under Sec. 8 read with Ss. 7, 12 read with Sec. 11(1) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and under Ss. 354, 354(A)(1)(ii), 354(A)(1)(iv) and 509 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

(3.) The case of the prosecution is as follows: The petitioner was appointed as a temporary Priest in a Church. The victim girl, aged 16 years, went to that Church on 3/4/2023 at about 1.00 p.m. for serving food to the petitioner. At that time, the petitioner sexually molested and assaulted the victim. The petitioner caught hold of her hand and requested for sexual favours.