Supreme Court grants anticipatory bail to Kochi businessman in sexual assault case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to prominent IT businessman Venu Gopalakrishnan in connection with a sexual assault case. A bench headed by Justice B.V. Nagarathna passed the order, directing Venu to cooperate fully with the investigation.

The Court stated that Venu should be released on bail in the event of arrest. It also warned that the anticipatory bail would be revoked if he attempted to influence witnesses or interfere with the investigation in any manner.

The complaint was filed by a former employee of his company, alleging sexual assault. However, his legal counsel argued that the complainant was previously arrested in connection with a “honey trap” case involving the businessman, and later went on to file the present complaint.

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The Supreme Court had earlier suggested mediation between the parties, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Raghenth Basant, along with advocate Thomas J. Anakallunkal, appeared on behalf of Venu. Senior advocates P.V. Dinesh and Nishe Rajen Shonker represented the state government, while advocate Karuna Nundy appeared for the complainant.