New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to Catholic priest Robin Vadakumchery in the Kottiyur rape case. The rape survivor, who fell victim to his sexual predation as a minor, had petitioned the Supreme Court on Saturday seeking permission to marry the priest, whose child she had delivered in 2017. On parallel, Robin Vakadumchery had sought bail of two months to be able to have that marriage solemnized.
The incident took place in 2016 when the now 52-year-old priest would sexually molest the minor girl at St. Sebastin Church at Neendunoki in Kottiyur. He is presently undergoing 60-year rigorous imprisonment on various counts sentenced by POCSO court in thallaserry. Since the punishments run concurrent, Vadakumchery will in effect remain behind bars for only 20 years.
In the ruling, the apex court asked to petitioners to approach High Court on the subject of marriage.
