Chennai, June 16(BPNS)

A single bench of the Madras High court on Wednesday rejected the anticipatory bail plea moved by the former Tamil Nadu Minister and AIADMK leader,  Manikandan in a case pertaining to a complaint filed by a Malaysia based woman that the minister had sexually harassed her.

The single bench of Justice Abdul Qadhose rejected the anticipatory bail plea.

The former minister’s council John Sathyan argued that there is no truth in the allegations raised by the Malayasia based woman who also claims to be an actor that the former minister had sexually harassed her promising to marry her. Manikandan’s advocate argued that the complainant had tried several extortion attempts from the former minister and that when she did not succeed in this, she had resorted to police complaints on a false allegation of sexual harassment.

However the advocates appearing for the Malayasia based woman said that the former minister had entered into a sexual relationship with her on the promise of marriage and if the promise is not honoured the consent given for sex cannot be considered as consent.

After hearing both sides, the Judge dismissed the anticipatory bail plea. Former minister Manikandan was not available for comment.

Advocate John Sathyan who appeared on behalf of the former minister said that they would move the division bench seeking anticipatory bail.