Kerala HC Suspends Palathayi Case Convict’s Sentence
K. Padmarajan granted bail as court hears challenge to conviction in 2020 POCSO case
- Kerala High Court suspended Padmarajan’s sentence and granted him bail.
- He had been sentenced to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life.
- The court imposed a ₹1 lakh bond, two sureties and restrictions on his movement.
- His appeal challenging the conviction remains pending before the High Court.
GG News Bureau
Kochi, 22nd Aug: The Kerala High Court has suspended the sentence of K. Padmarajan and granted him bail in the Palathayi POCSO case, nearly six years after the alleged sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl triggered a controversial investigation in Kerala.
The court observed that the grounds raised by Padmarajan in his challenge to the conviction require serious consideration. His appeal against the conviction remains pending.
Padmarajan had earlier been sentenced to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life and fined ₹1 lakh. He was also awarded 20 years’ imprisonment each under two provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, amounting to 40 years.
While granting bail, the High Court directed Padmarajan to execute a ₹1 lakh bond with two sureties. He has also been prohibited from entering the revenue district where the survivor resides.
The case originated in January 2020, following a complaint alleging that a nine-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted. Padmarajan was arrested following an investigation by Panur Police.
The investigation subsequently became controversial after an initial probe reportedly concluded that the POCSO charges would not stand. The then Kerala government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fresh investigation.
A bloodstain recovered from a toilet at the school later emerged as a significant piece of evidence cited during the investigation. The probe changed hands five times before the case proceeded to trial.
Padmarajan, a former BJP local panchayat president, had consistently denied the allegations and maintained that the case against him was fabricated. He had also levelled allegations against the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and other organisations while defending himself.
The conviction had marked a significant stage in the long-running case. With the High Court now suspending the sentence and granting bail, the legal battle continues, with the court yet to decide Padmarajan’s challenge to his conviction.
