Kerala High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail To Man Who Allegedly Leaked Class 10th Question Paper On YouTube

The Kerala High Court has denied anticipatory bail to a man accused of leaking Class 10th Question Paper via his YouTube Channel 'M.S. Solutions'.

The Court was considering an Anticipatory Bail filed in case registered for the offences punishable under Sections 316(2), 316(3), 316(5), 318(2), 318(4), 61(2)(a), 112(1)(2) and 283 r/w Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The Bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed, "Taking note of the nature of allegations, especially since the question papers of three subjects are stated to have been leaked on the eve of public examination, that too, through a Youtube channel, I am of the view that petitioner cannot be protected with an order of anticipatory bail."

The Applicant was represented by Advocate S. Rajeev while the Respondent was represented by Public Prosecutor Prasanth M.P.

According to the prosecution, the Accused had, on the eve of public examination, leaked question papers of the 1st and 2nd term examination relating to English and Social Science of the 10th Standard and Mathematics of Plus One through a private YouTube Channel by name "M.S. Solutions" and thereby committed the offences alleged.

Counsel for the Petitioner submitted that the prosecution's allegations are false and the incident as alleged had not occurred. It was also submitted that Petitioner has no role in the crime and that, as he was only a peon in the School, he had no access at all to any question papers. The Counsel further submitted that Petitioner is willing to abide by any conditions that may be imposed by the Court while granting him bail and is even ready to appear as and when a Notice under Section 35(3) BNSS is issued.

On the other hand, the Public Prosecutor submitted that the allegations are serious and Petitioner is not a peon, but is a Mathematics Teacher, who is taking Mathematics classes for students through a Youtube channel ‘M/s. Solutions’. It was also submitted that the offences for imprisonment for life are also alleged and, therefore, the allegation being serious, custodial interrogation of Petitioner is required.

The Court denied the bail to the Petitioner and observed, "However, if in case petitioner surrenders before the Investigating Officer on 18.07.2025 and if in case, after interrogation, the Investigating Officer arrests the petitioner, then, he shall be produced before the jurisdictional Magistrate on the same day itself and if any bail application is filed, the same shall be considered in accordance with law."

The Application was accordingly dismissed.

Cause Title: Zainul Abideen Karumbil (2025:KER:51437)

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