Bombay High Court Acquits Man in Rape Case, Cites Victim's Behavior as Unusual

In a surprising verdict, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has acquitted a man previously sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a 16-year-old girl. The court found the victim’s actions...

Bombay High Court Acquits Man in Rape Case, Cites Victim's Behavior as Unusual
NULL

In a surprising verdict, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has acquitted a man previously sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a 16-year-old girl. The court found the victim’s actions to be inconsistent with what would be expected from a person exercising ordinary caution. Justice GA Sanap noted that no prudent girl would visit a hotel room with an unknown person, deeming the girl's conduct as “alarming.”

Details of the Case

The case began when the girl, a Class 12 student, met the accused through social media in 2017. They exchanged phone numbers, and he later invited her to a hotel room. According to the girl, the accused then asked her to change into a T-shirt he provided, photographed her, and threatened to share these photos if she did not comply with his sexual demands. Out of fear, she agreed, but the accused still shared the photos on Facebook and with her family, leading her to file a complaint.

Court’s Concerns About Evidence

The High Court expressed skepticism about the credibility of the victim’s account. Justice Sanap highlighted several inconsistencies, including the lack of detail about when the photos were taken or when the incident occurred. The court also questioned why the girl did not seek help if she was in trouble and why there was a significant delay in filing the complaint, which was lodged only in October 2017, several months after the alleged photos were shared in March 2017.

Victim’s Conduct Questioned

Justice Sanap criticized the victim’s behavior, suggesting that it did not align with what would be expected from someone in a similar situation. He remarked that a girl meeting someone for the first time would likely avoid going to a hotel room and would cry out for help if she felt threatened. The court found the details of the incident and the victim’s subsequent actions to be “unbelievable,” leading to the decision to overturn the previous conviction.

Implications of the Verdict

The acquittal has stirred debate over how courts interpret victims’ behavior in sexual assault cases. Critics argue that the court’s focus on the victim’s actions might overshadow the accused's responsibility and the impact of the alleged crime. The case underscores the complexities involved in legal judgments regarding sexual offenses and the importance of addressing both the victim’s and the accused’s narratives with sensitivity and thoroughness.