Karnataka High Court Grants Bail to 75-Year-Old Man Accused of S*xually Assaulting Daughter-in-Law Repeatedly; Here’s Why

The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to a 75-year-old man accused of repeatedly s*xually assaulting his daughter-in-law, primarily noting that the complainant did not object to his release. In an order passed on May 14, Justice MGS Kamal observed that the parties are currently working toward an amicable settlement to resolve the familial dispute. The petitioner, a senior citizen, had been in judicial custody for approximately eight months before the ruling.

Complainant Withdraws Objection Amid Settlement Talks

The high court's decision hinged heavily on the personal appearance and statement of the daughter-in-law, who serves as the de facto complainant in the criminal case. Accompanied by her legal counsel, she informed the bench that she would not oppose the bail application due to ongoing reconciliation efforts within the family. ‘You Won’t Leave Women Anywhere?’: Karnataka High Court Dismisses Plea To Quash Case Against ‘Bangalore Metro Chicks’ Instagram Account Owner.

Recording her submission, Justice Kamal noted in the order, "Though allegations are made in the complaint against accused No.1- petitioner herein of harassment, respondent No.2-defacto complainant (daughter-in-law)... submits that matter is being settled amicably and that she has no objection for grant of bail in favour of the accused No.1-petitioner herein".

Severe Penal Charges Face Opposition from the State

The petitioner had approached the high court after being arrested in connection with a case registered at the East Women Police Station in Bengaluru. The initial First Information Report (FIR) detailed allegations of persistent s*xual violence, systemic harassment, and physical cruelty inflicted upon the victim within her matrimonial household. The police invoked several severe provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the 75-year-old. These included Sections 64(2)(f) and 64(2)(m) for aggravated s*xual assault, alongside Sections 75, 76, 85, 115(2), and 352(2), which govern cruelty, assault, and voluntarily causing hurt.

Representing the prosecution, the State government strongly opposed the bail plea. Public prosecutors argued that the severity and heinous nature of the s*xual violence allegations should legally outweigh any internal family compromises, contending that releasing the accused could undermine the gravity of the offenses.

Defense Claims False Implication in Marital Discord

Conversely, the defense counsel maintained that the elderly man was completely innocent and had been falsely implicated as a tactical manoeuvre. The defense argued that the real conflict existed solely between the daughter-in-law and her husband - the accused man's son - and that the allegations against the father-in-law lacked essential components such as specific dates, times, or corroborating physical evidence. After reviewing the competing arguments, the bench weighed the petitioner's advanced age and his eight-month period of incarceration against the complainant's sudden shift in stance. "Considering the above facts and circumstances of the case, this Court deems it appropriate to grant bail as sought for," the court held. Karnataka High Court Refuses to Quash FIR Against Bengaluru Airport Staffer in South Korean Woman’s S*xual Harassment Case.

Conditional Release Mandated by Court

While allowing the bail petition, the high court implemented strict safeguards to ensure the integrity of the ongoing trial. The court directed that the accused be released subject to a personal bond of INR 1 lakh, complemented by two reliable sureties of equal value. Under the explicitly mandated bail conditions, the petitioner is required to appear regularly before the trial court during all scheduled hearings. He is also strictly prohibited from attempting to threaten, contact, or influence any prosecution witnesses or the complainant while out on bail.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2026 07:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).