Russian rape case: Supreme court refuses bail to rape accused

The supreme court today refused to grant anticipatory bail to Goa politician John Fernandes, accused of raping a Russian girl.

"It is not a case for granting bail," a bench headed by chief justice KG Balakrishnan said when a petition by Fernandes challenging the Bombay high court's order cancelling his anticipatory bail granted by a trial court was mentioned.

"Whether the allegation is right or wrong, it is difficult to grant bail," the bench, also comprising justices B Sudershan Reddy and P Sathasivam, said Fernandes is accused of raping the Russian girl on December 1.

Senior advocate UU Lalit said that if the high court order is not stayed, the protection granted by the trial court would be lifted and he will be arrested. However, the bench was not convinced with the submission and questioned the decision of the trial court to grant him bail.

"It is very strange that the sessions judge has granted bail," the bench said. The court said it will hear the matter on January 4.