Individual accused of taking a child to a guesthouse and sexually abusing her was wrongly released, according to the High Court. The State has filed an appeal for his remand again.
Today, the High Court ruled that Anees Hilmy’s release by the Criminal Court was wrongful and demanded that he be taken into custody again. Anees is an individual accused of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl.
In June 2020, he was arrested on the charges of buying the minor various items and grooming her before sexually abusing her. He was previously in custody, pending trial.
The Criminal Court released him at the end of last month on the grounds that he did not violate any rules during his remand period and the required evidence was taken.
The State filed an appeal in the High Court today. During the hearing, the court clarified that the completion of testimony or evidence does not provide a valid basis for granting bail to the accused individual. The court further stipulated that the accused may be released on bail if the conditions of remand change. However, it was emphasized that such changes should not have any effect on the case and the conditions of release must be adhered to accordingly.
During the appeal, the court noted that the accused individual was under house arrest. It was acknowledged that the transfer of individuals to house arrest could be legal, provided it was done within the boundaries of the law. The three judges residing over the appeal clarified that such transfers must be carried out in accordance with the law and cannot be conducted without proper regulations.
After highlighting these issues, the High Court rejected the bail order and ordered Anees to be remanded in custody for seven days until the Criminal Court makes a decision.
The High Court bench consisting of Justice Dheebanaz Fahmy, Justice Huzaifa Mohamed and Justice Mohamed Faisal heard the case. The bench was presided over by Justice Dheebanaz.
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