KOCHI: The High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Fr Job Mathew, one of the four priests of the Malankara Orthodox Church accused of raping a woman. The court had granted bail to Fr Johnson V Mathew, the third accused, on Monday.
While allowing the bail plea of Job Mathew, the second accused, the Bench observed no purpose would be served by keeping him in judicial custody as it appeared his presence was not required for an effective investigation.
The petitioner said even if the allegations against him were true, that would not make it an offence under IPC Section 376 (rape). After being a consensual partner, the woman had now filed a complaint against him, he alleged. He had been in jail since July 13 and the probe is almost complete. So, further detention is not necessary, said the petition.
The HC directed the petitioner to furnish a bond of `1 lakh with two solvent sureties. He should appear before the probe officer on all Mondays and Saturdays for three months or until the final report is filed, whichever is earlier. He should not enter the Tiruvalla police station limits until the final report is filed, except for complying with the condition of the court order. He shall not leave the country without the permission of the court and has been directed to surrender his passport.