The apex court expressed strong disapproval, calling the observations “insensitive” and reflecting an “inhuman approach.”
The Supreme Court further said, “we are pained to state that it shows total lack of sensitivity on the part of the author of the judgment.”
What did the Allahabad HC Say?
On March 17, the Allahabad High Court had ruled that grabbing a woman’s breast and pulling the string of her ‘pyjama’ do not qualify as the offence of rape. Instead, the court said such acts fall under the ambit of assault or the use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to disrobe or compel her to be naked.
The ruling was passed by Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra while hearing a revision plea filed by two individuals. They had challenged the order of a special judge in Kasganj, who had summoned them under Section 376 of the IPC (rape), along with other sections.