High Court Rejects Bail Plea in POCSO Case Involving Teacher

Bengaluru, 11th May 2023: In a significant development, the High Court of Karnataka dismissed a bail petition filed by C. Manjunath, an assistant teacher accused of sexually harassing minor girl students. The case (Criminal Petition No. 3560 of 2023) was registered under Sections 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The petitioner had been working as an assistant teacher at a government primary school in Boragunte village, Tumkur district, Karnataka. It was alleged that he had been sexually harassing the minor girl students, aged between 8 to 11 years, studying in the same school. The incidents came to light when some villagers informed the Block Education Officer (BEO) about the accused's illegal activities.

Upon receiving the information, the BEO and Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) visited the school, accompanied by the accused. During the visit, several girl students alleged that the petitioner had inappropriately touched them, engaged in obscene conversations, and forced them to touch his private parts. Subsequently, a written complaint was filed with the Badavanahalli police station, leading to the registration of a case (Cr.No.36/2023) under the POCSO Act.

After the petitioner's arrest on 27th March 2023, he was produced before the First Track Special Court (FTSC-I), Tumkur, and has been in judicial custody since then. The bail application filed by the petitioner before the FTSC-I was rejected on 13th April 2023, prompting the filing of the present petition before the High Court.

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that their client was falsely implicated, citing a lack of previous complaints against him and alleging a conspiracy by the villagers due to a dispute over a petty shop in the school premises. However, the High Court Government Pleader (HCGP) opposed the bail application, emphasizing the heinous nature of the offenses and the threats issued by the petitioner to the victims and their parents/guardians.

Considering the gravity of the offenses and the potential harm caused to the victims and society, the court concurred with the decision of the FTSC-I and rejected the bail application. The court emphasized that the petitioner's actions not only violated the trust placed in teachers but also had far-reaching consequences for the victims' reputation and future.

This judgment serves as a reminder of the strict stance taken by the judiciary in cases involving the sexual harassment of minors and highlights the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable children.

11th May 2023

C. Manjunath v. State of Karnataka & Thimmaraju