Supreme Court Holds Special Sitting On Holi; Grants Anticipatory Bail To Man Accused Of Rape

In a special sitting held on 'Holi', the Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Jude Lobo, a Goa-based restaurateur, Jude Lobo, who is named as an accused in an FIR lodged by a Delhi-based woman alleging rape.

A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer held the special sitting to consider the special leave petition filed by Lobo challenging the order passed by the Delhi High Court on March 26 dismissing his bail application.

"We are satisfied that the petitioner has made out a prima facie case for grant of anticipatory bail", the bench observed after perusing the FIR, statement of the victim recorded under Section 164 CrPC.

"If he is arrested he shall be arrested on a personal bond of Rs 10,000. The petitioner is allowed to implead the complainant as Respondent No 2. Let it be done today itself. Issue notic", the bench ordered.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for the petitioner, made references to the certain WhatsApp chats between the petitioner and the woman. 

The Supreme Court is having vacations on account of Holi till April 5.

Click here to read/download the order