In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has upheld the trial proceedings against a 59-year-old priest, refusing to quash the case in which he’s accused of raping a woman under the false promise of marriage. Justice A Badharudeen emphasized that the accusations warrant thorough scrutiny during trial, as the relationship was based on an unfulfilled commitment of marriage.
The priest, Fr Jose Mathai Myladath, allegedly lured the woman into a prolonged sexual relationship, assuring her he would leave his priesthood to marry her. This promise, according to the complainant, was broken in early 2024. The Court noted that the woman’s allegations, supported by details of repeated sexual encounters on the pretext of marriage, justified the charges under the Indian Penal Code’s provisions for rape and wrongful confinement.
During the proceedings, the priest’s counsel argued that the woman had initially moved to quash the FIR and had even denied the allegations in a social media post. However, the complainant’s legal team countered, stating that the woman had been misled into withdrawing her earlier plea, and they disputed the authenticity of the online denial.
The Court, unmoved by the defense’s arguments, held that the case must proceed to trial, emphasizing that the alleged social media post requires further examination. The Court dismissed the priest’s application to quash the case, stating that the delay in filing the FIR was justified, given the nature of the relationship. The trial will now continue, with the allegations set to be explored in full detail.
