Mangalur: The Additional District and Sessions Court in Mangaluru has granted conditional bail to Rev Fr Cyprian Pinto (65), former parish priest of St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia, who was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor boy who had visited the church.

Judge Manu K S pronounced the order allowing the bail application filed by the accused. The priest had surrendered before the police on October 18, three days after a POCSO case was registered against him at the Mangaluru South Police Station on October 15. He was subsequently remanded to judicial custody.

The court granted bail after hearing arguments from the defence, which questioned the allegations and highlighted the accused’s age and medical condition. The prosecution’s case and the allegations against the accused will continue to be examined through the legal process.

Defence claims priest was falsely implicated

Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, advocate Rajesh Kumar Amtady argued that the priest had been falsely implicated in the case by individuals who were allegedly unhappy with his disciplinary measures at the church premises.

According to the defence, the priest had introduced certain restrictions at the church, including closing the gates after 7 pm. The advocate contended that these measures had caused resentment among some individuals, who subsequently implicated him in the case.

The defence also drew the court’s attention to the alleged delay between the incident and the filing of the police complaint. It was argued that more than two months had elapsed between the alleged incident and the registration of the case.

Another point raised during the hearing concerned an earlier police inquiry into the matter. The defence submitted that a preliminary inquiry had reportedly been conducted by the police following instructions from the Child Protection Directorate and that no substance had allegedly been found in the complaint at that stage.

The advocate also requested the court to take into consideration the accused’s age of 65 years and his declining health. Various medical conditions affecting the priest were cited as additional grounds for seeking bail.

Court imposes conditions while granting bail

After considering the arguments, the court granted conditional bail to the accused subject to the execution of a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety for an equivalent amount.

The court imposed several conditions to ensure the accused’s cooperation with the investigation and judicial proceedings.

The priest has been directed to appear before the court on all hearing dates without fail. He must also cooperate with the investigating officer whenever summoned and comply with the requirements of the investigation.

Importantly, the court has specifically prohibited the accused from meeting or harassing the minor victim. The restriction is intended to prevent any direct or indirect interference with the victim during the course of the legal proceedings.

The court has further directed the accused not to tamper with evidence or attempt to influence the investigation in any manner.

Travel restrictions and residential details mandated

As part of the bail conditions, the accused has been prohibited from leaving the country without obtaining prior permission from the court.

He has also been directed to furnish his residential address and mobile phone number to the concerned authorities. These details are required to ensure that he remains accessible to the investigating agency and the court whenever his presence is required.

The court has made it clear that the bail is subject to strict compliance with all the conditions imposed in the order.

It has also clarified that the prosecution is at liberty to approach the court seeking cancellation of bail if the accused violates any of the stipulated conditions.

Investigation and legal proceedings to continue

The granting of bail does not amount to an acquittal or a determination of the allegations made against the accused. The POCSO case registered at the Mangaluru South Police Station will continue through the prescribed legal process.

The conditions imposed by the court require the accused to remain available for the investigation and subsequent court proceedings while ensuring that there is no interference with the minor victim or evidence.

The case has drawn attention to the legal safeguards available in cases involving allegations of sexual offences against children. Under the POCSO Act, such cases are subject to specific procedures and protections intended to safeguard the interests and identity of minor victims.

The allegations against Rev Fr Cyprian Pinto remain subject to judicial determination, and the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.