The Bombay High Court has granted bail to a female teacher charged of sexually assaulting and harassing a 17-year-old male student, observing that it is difficult to believe that the teen was repeatedly assaulted under coercion. Justice Prakash D Naik granted bail to the woman, who has been in custody following her arrest the Kanjur Marg police in May. It was alleged that the boy was taking tuitions from the woman from 2015 to 2017. They also went to the same gymnasium in Bhandup and would often chat on social media. Last March, the accused called the complainant to her residence to celebrate her birthday. She allegedly offered him a cold drink that spiked with alcohol. On consuming it, the teenager felt drowsiness. In that state, the complainant alleged, the tuition teacher took him to her bedroom and removed his clothes. She then sexually assaulted him. The next day, the accused insisted that the complainant visited her again and she warned of spoiling his name if he didn't relent. The boy then visited the residence of the accused on two occasions. He said he was assaulted each time. While the teenager tried to fob off despite her threats, she visited his place a month later where she slapped him and assaulted him with her slippers. She also abused him verbally, it was alleged. The woman argued in court that boy had lodged a false complaint to harass her. She relied upon a few WhatsApp messages exchanged between them, showing that they were acquainted with each other. "The complainant is of an age of understanding and it is difficult to believe that he was subjected to forcible physical abuses," she contended. Considering the versions of both parties and the fact that the police have already filed the charge sheet, the court granted bail to the woman on a bond of Rs 20,000. The woman has been directed to appear before the police once every month and be present during the trial. What HC Said

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