Karnataka High Court Refuses Bail in Rape Case, Cites Manusmriti and Gandhi on Women’s Safety

The Karnataka High Court denied bail to a man accused of facilitating a rape, citing the Manusmriti and quoting Mahatma Gandhi to underscore the importance of women's safety and societal values.

The Court observed that individuals who enabled sexual offences deserved strict treatment, referencing historical and cultural norms to emphasise the gravity of the crime and the need for societal condemnation.

The State argued that the accused had threatened the victim's cousin, thus preventing him from intervening to protect her.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Court rejected the bail plea.

[Syed Parveez Mushraff v State of Karnataka]