Authority: Supreme Court of India, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction
Order Date: 22 July 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Appellant T Lenin vs. State of Tamil Nadu & Anr.
- Appeal numbers: Criminal Appeal Nos. /2026 arising from Special Leave Petitions Nos. 11296‑11297/2025.
- Impugned orders: (i) Order dated 28‑02‑2025 cancelling anticipatory bail; (ii) Order dated 24‑06‑2025 directing custody for failure to attend mediation.
- Background: Prosecutor alleges that on 20‑08‑2017 the prosecutrix was sexually assaulted by the appellant, resulting in a pregnancy that was terminated. Subsequent family reconciliation attempts were followed by another alleged sexual exploitation and refusal of marriage by the appellant. FIR No.14 of 2023 was lodged against the appellant.
- Anticipatory bail: Granted on 05‑04‑2025 subject to DNA profiling; condition fulfilled; bail formally accepted by order dated 07‑06‑2024.
- Separate incident: On 25‑08‑2024 the prosecutrix’s mother lodged FIR No.158 of 2024 alleging four persons attacked her and her husband during a temple festival. The appellant is not named in this FIR.
- Application to cancel bail was filed, leading to the High Court’s order on 28‑02‑2025 cancelling bail and directing mediation, followed by the custody order on 24‑06‑2025 for non‑appearance at mediation.
- Appellant’s submission: Not an accused in FIR 158/2024; mediation must be voluntary; cannot be forced.
- State’s submission: FIR 158/2024 is still under investigation.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court set aside both impugned orders (28‑02‑2025 and 24‑06‑2025).
- Anticipatory bail granted in connection with FIR No.14 of 2023 is restored.
- The appellant is directed to participate in the trial arising from FIR No.14 of 2023 and is prohibited from threatening witnesses or tampering with evidence.
- All pending applications in the matter are disposed of.
- The order is signed by Hon’ble Justices Manoj Misra and Vijay Bishnoi.
Topics: Anticipatory Bail, Criminal Procedure