Allahabad High Court Grants Bail To Septuagenarian Accused Of Unnatural Sex With Cow

The bail application pertained to an FIR under Sections 377, 504, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 11 of the Cruelty to Animals Act.

The applicant was accused of committing unnatural sex with a cow, based on a video forwarded to the complainant.

A Bench of Justice Jaspreet Singh held, “Considering the rival submissions as well as the facts and circumstances of the case and the material available on record also considering the nature of allegations and accusation against the applicant, the severity of the punishment if convicted and the period of incarceration as well as the fact that no apprehension has been expressed by the learned AGA that the applicant is at the risk of fleeing justice or that he would tamper with evidence or influence any witness, hence, at this stage, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, this Court is of the view that the applicant is entitled to be released on bail.”

Advocate Dinesh Chandra appeared for the Applicant.

The applicant’s counsel argued that he was innocent, being a senior citizen with no criminal history, and that the allegations against him were false and improbable. Additionally, there was no evidence indicating his apprehension based on the alleged video. The Assistant Government Advocate (AGA) opposed the bail application but failed to counter the presented facts.

The Court, considering the circumstances and the absence of indications that applicant would flee or tamper with evidence, granted bail.

The Court imposed certain conditions to ensure his compliance with legal proceedings and prevent abuse of bail.

Cause Title: Ram Khelawan v. State of U.P., [2024:AHC-LKO:27995]