Gujarat High Court Refuses Bail To Professor Accused Of Seeking Sexual Favours From Student

The Gujarat High Court has denied regular bail to a college professor accused of sexually harassing a student and seeking inappropriate favours through messages and calls.

Justice Nikhil S. Kariel rejected the bail application filed by Manishkumar Shivlal Chauhan in a case registered under Sections 75(2) and 78(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

According to the prosecution, the professor allegedly pressured his student into entering a relationship and sought sexual favours from her. The Court noted that WhatsApp chats placed on record prima facie reflected “inappropriate demands” made by the accused to the victim.

The Bench also referred to an apology letter allegedly written by the professor to the college principal a day before his arrest, in which he reportedly apologised for his conduct and inappropriate chats with female students.

During the hearing, the Court observed that investigation materials indicated the accused had repeatedly pressured the victim to visit his chamber. The Court further noted that another student had allegedly blocked the professor’s number after receiving calls and messages from him.

While refusing bail, the High Court said the allegations were serious and observed that sufficient material had been collected by the investigating agency to support the prosecution’s case. The Court also took note of the fact that the trial had already commenced and that the complainant had been examined.

Holding that release of the accused at this stage could adversely affect the proceedings, the Court dismissed the bail plea.