Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Priest in POCSO Case

New Delhi, April 30, 2026: The Supreme Court of India granted anticipatory bail to Fr. Mankunwar Toppo in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, setting aside an earlier order of the Jharkhand High Court and directing him to continue cooperating with the investigation.

Background of the Case

The case originated from Latehar district in Jharkhand, where the Mahila Thana in-charge, acting on a report by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and instructions from higher authorities, registered an FIR after an inquiry. The complaint alleged that some students of St. Xavier’s Academy accused the priest of inappropriate physical contact, including touching their back, hands, cheeks, and shoulders with malicious intent over a period of two years.

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Court’s Ruling

The Supreme Court noted that the Jharkhand High Court had earlier, on February 6, 2026, rejected the priest’s anticipatory bail plea, following which he approached the apex court.

After hearing the matter, the Court observed that the appellant had complied with all conditions previously imposed, cooperated with the investigation, and had neither influenced witnesses nor interfered with the process. 

In its order dated April 27, 2026, the bench confirmed the interim protection granted earlier and directed that in the event of arrest, he be released on bail subject to conditions deemed fair by the authorities. The Court also instructed that he must continue to cooperate with the investigation and not attempt to delay or influence the trial.

Additionally, the Court directed that if the appellant possesses a passport, it must be surrendered before the competent authority until the conclusion of the trial. 

The February 6 order of the Jharkhand High Court was set aside, and the appeal was allowed. 

Father Mankunwar Toppo is an IMS priest who had been serving as a teacher at St. Xavier’s Academy in Latehar at the time the allegations surfaced.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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