A case involving allegations that a minor girl was allegedly subjected to abuse during a ritual conducted at an astrology centre recently came up before the Kerala High Court, raising serious concerns over exploitation under the guise of spiritual practices. The matter reached the Court through a bail application filed by the accused astrologer booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The bail application was filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking regular bail. The accused was booked under Sections 64(1), 74, 75(1)(i), 76, 115(2) and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Sections 3(b), 4(1), 7 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
According to the prosecution, the 16-year-old victim had visited the astrology centre run by the accused along with her mother after obtaining a prior appointment for consultation. It was alleged that during the consultation, the accused informed them that the victim was under the influence of an “evil spirit” and that certain special rituals were required. Thereafter, the victim was allegedly taken to a separate room by the accused on the pretext of conducting the ritual, where the alleged incident occurred.
Appearing for the Accused, counsel argued that the applicant was innocent and had been falsely implicated in the case. It was further contended that there were no sufficient materials connecting him to the alleged offences and therefore continued detention was unwarranted.
Opposing the plea, the prosecution submitted that the allegations were grave in nature and that the incident formed part of deliberate criminal conduct. The State further argued that the investigation had yielded materials supporting the prosecution version.
After examining the case diary, Justice Kauser Edappagath observed that the accusations were serious and prima facie disclosed a premeditated criminal act. “A perusal of the case diary would reveal that the accusation against the applicant is very serious, and it prima facie shows a premeditated criminal act on his part.”
The Court also took note of the medical records as well as materials allegedly recovered during investigation. Though the final report had already been filed, the Court found that the seriousness of the allegations weighed against granting relief to the accused. Accordingly, the High Court dismissed the bail application.
Case Title: Rajan Babu @ Murari Thantri v. State of Kerala
Case No.: Bail Appl. No. 2193 of 2026
Coram: Hon’ble Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath
Counsel for the Petitioner: Sri. Vishnu Bhuvanendran, Smt. B. Anusree, Sri. Noyal Johny, Sri. Joel Chalamana and Sri. Asif Irfan
Counsel for the Respondent: Sri. M.C. Ashi, Senior Public Prosecutor
Read Judgment @Latestlaws.com
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