Hyderabad: The Supreme Court has clarified that pulling a woman’s clothes and touching her chest amounts to rape. The court set aside the earlier Allahabad High Court verdict, which had held that such acts did not fall under rape. The ruling came after widespread criticism and public uproar over the High Court’s judgment.
The controversy began when the Allahabad High Court observed that simply touching a woman’s chest or grabbing her clothes could not be considered rape. However, the Supreme Court took up the matter for a suo motu hearing. It later overturned the High Court’s verdict and ruled in favor of the prosecution.
Central and Uttar Pradesh Governments Respond
The case relates to an incident in November 2021 in the Kasganj area of Uttar Pradesh. A woman was returning from a relative’s house with her 11 year old daughter. Meanwhile, two youths from the same village approached them. They offered to drop the girl home on a two wheeler. However, on the way, they allegedly tried to take her under a culvert. They touched her indecently and pulled her clothes.
The girl screamed. Then, the police arrived at the scene. The accused fled immediately. Later, after learning about the incident from the girl, her family filed a complaint with the police.
Allahabad High Court Verdict Sparked Outrage
The Allahabad High Court conducted an inquiry into the case. However, it dismissed the case, stating that touching the woman’s chest or grabbing her clothes did not amount to rape. This verdict drew sharp criticism from many quarters. Several voices demanded intervention from the Supreme Court. Critics argued that such judgments could send a wrong message to society.
Therefore, the Supreme Court initiated a suo motu hearing. During the proceedings, the apex court expressed regret over the High Court judge’s comments. It described them as insensitive and inhumane. The court then issued its latest judgment after reviewing the responses from the Central Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government.
With this ruling, the Supreme Court has clarified the legal position and overturned the earlier High Court decision.
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