The Allahabad High Court was called out by ministers including Annapurna Devi on Friday after Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra gave the order to issue fresh summons to the two accused under the Kasganj district court.
The judge has asked for the charges under POCSO court to be changed from rape to “assaulting or abusing with an intent to disrobe or compel her to be naked” He further said that there is a difference between committing a crime and preparing for a crime, and hence this case is not justified as a rape case.
Annapurna Devi and others have demanded judicial reforms after the flawed statement. Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal said, “Holding breast, breaking pyjama’s string is not a crime of rape…This statement is very insensitive, and it is very dangerous for society. The Supreme Court should intervene in this matter.”
CT Pallavi, a member of the BJP, shared via X, “Another gem of Indian judiciary? Grabbing Victim’s Breasts, Breaking Pyjama string are NOT attempts to RAPE, says Allahabad High Court. The girl was only 11 years old. What’s the use of stringent laws of POCSO & BNS when such judgments are given? Recall the Chhattisgarh HC judgement that acquitted a man who caused his wife’s death because of unnatural Sex?”
Law experts also spoke against the order. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal shared on X, “God save this country with such judges adorning the Bench! The Supreme Court has been too soft in dealing with errant judges .”
The unanimous voice of leaders and the citizens amplifies the wrongness of the verdict and calls for the interference by Supreme Court.
