New Delhi: The Supreme Court is examining whether courts should hear the victim's statement before granting bail to accused individuals in rape cases. The decision is being made by a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Vishwanathan.

This follows a petition challenging the Kerala High Court's decision to cancel anticipatory bail for a rape accused. The High Court had revoked the bail, citing that the victim's statement had not been heard. In response, a petition was filed, and the Supreme Court has issued a notice, staying the High Court's order.

In the order that cancelled the anticipatory bail, the Kerala High Court had pointed out that the accused should cooperate with the investigation. Senior lawyers R Basant and Sreeram Parakkad, representing the petitioner, argued that the revocation of bail on technical grounds was incorrect.

In light of this, the Supreme Court has now decided to review whether courts should hear the victim’s statement before granting bail in rape cases.