The Madras High Court has questioned the reappointment of a man accused in a POCSO case as principal of a physical education college functioning at the YMCA campus in Nandanam, Chennai.
According to the case details, George Abraham served as principal in 2022 when a 23-year-old student alleged sexual harassment. Based on her complaint, Saidapet Women Police registered a case under the POCSO Act and arrested him. He later obtained bail.
Despite the pending case, Abraham was appointed again as the college principal. A petition seeking cancellation of his bail was filed by an organisation working for child rights protection.
Appearing for the petitioner, senior counsel Ahsan Mohamed Jinna told the court that another sexual case is also pending against Abraham and that the complainant continues to study in the same institution, raising concerns over her safety. It was also submitted that the trial has not begun even after three years.
Justice N. Ramesh asked the college management how the accused could be reappointed in the same college where the victim studies, and warned that the court may have to order his transfer from the post. The judge directed the police to file their response to the petition.
