Kerala High Court denies anticipatory bail to mother who helped stepfather to rape daughter

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday refused to grant anticipatory bail to a mother accused of aiding the rape of her minor daughter by her stepfather.

Justice P. Gopinath termed the allegations against the mother as “serious” and, if proven true, an “insult” to motherhood. “I am of the view that the petitioner does not deserve anticipatory bail. The allegations against the petitioner are very serious and if true, they are an insult to motherhood,” the order said.

The prosecution in the case stated that during the period from 2018 to 2023, the stepfather, with the consent and knowledge of the petitioner, had conversations of sexual nature with the minor daughter.

Other serious allegations including rape were also pointed out and the petitioner mother had a role in all these. The court said that if bail is granted, it may have an impact on the victim.

The High Court said, “The apprehension expressed by the learned Public Prosecutor appears to be genuine. The petitioner being the biological mother of the minor victim may be in a position to influence or intimidate the victim if she is granted bail.” ,
(IANS).