Court grants anticipatory bail to ex-judge in molestation case

A former judge, accused of attempting to rape and molest his daughter-in-law, was today granted anticipatory bail by a Delhi court which warned him against tampering with evidence.
Additional Sessions Judge Gautam Manan granted relief to the man, a retired sessions judge in Delhi, saying "the applicant/accused has deep roots in the society and there is no chance of his fleeing from the justice. The applicant is directed to join the investigation as and when required...
"Applicant is directed not to tamper with the evidence in any manner and shall not try to influence any witness."
It directed that in the event of arrest of the accused, he be released on bail on furnishing of personal bond in the sum of Rs 15,000 with one surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the investigating officer or SHO concerned.

The court passed the order on the former judge's anticipatory bail plea, filed through advocate R S Malik.
A case was lodged against him by his daughter-in-law for the alleged offences of attempt to rape, molestation, criminal breach of trust and harassment under the IPC at Model Town Police Station.

The woman had recently lodged the complaint against her father-in-law alleging dowry demands by him and his family. She alleged that in May this year, when she was alone in her room, the accused misbehaved with her and tried to rape her.
When she objected, he allegedly beat her up and she sustained injuries. She managed to escape from the room, locked herself in the bathroom and reported the matter to the police, according to the complaint.

The retired officer's bail plea was opposed by the woman and the prosecutor, saying his acts do not entitle him for the relief and he was an influential man. They claimed that he was known to the police officials and could tamper with the evidence.