The Supreme Court declined to halt the cancellation of bail for a female teacher accused in the sexual assault of a three-year-old student at a Delhi school. Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale refused interim relief to the accused, Kriti Sahni, instructing her to surrender as per the Delhi High Court’s ruling. The Supreme Court has issued a notice on her plea challenging the bail cancellation, with a tentative hearing date set for July 27.
The Delhi High Court recently overturned a lower court’s decision to grant bail to the accused teacher. The case, registered at Janakpuri Police Station, involves sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The High Court emphasized the need for caution in cases of child sexual offenses, highlighting the severe harm suffered by victims.
In its ruling, the High Court criticized the trial court for granting bail based on the victim’s initial statement that did not name the teacher. However, the victim later identified the teacher during proceedings. The High Court noted the recovery of incriminating evidence during the investigation, including blood-stained items. It also raised concerns about the accused potentially influencing witnesses due to her position at the school.
