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False rape case filed by lady. SC Quash FIR. Her lie is nailed by call details…

February 12, 2013 2 comments
Supreme Court of India
Prashant Bharti vs State Of Nct Of Delhi on 23 January, 2013
Author: J S Khehar
Bench: B.S. Chauhan, V. Gopala Gowda

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“REPORTABLE”

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 175 OF 2013

(Arising out of SLP (Criminal) No. 1800 OF 2009)

Prashant Bharti …. Appellant

Versus

State of NCT of Delhi …. Respondent

J U D G M E N T

JAGDISH SINGH KHEHAR, J.

1. Leave granted.

2. On 16.2.2007, Priya (hereinafter referred to as, the complainant/prosecuterix), aged 21 years, a resident of Tughlakabad Extension, New Delhi, made a phone call to the Police Control Room (hereinafter referred to as, the PCR). Police personnel immediately reached her residence. She made a statement to the police, leading to the registration of first information report no. 47 of 2007 at Police Station Lodhi Colony, New Delhi, under Sections 328 and 354 of the Indian Penal Code. In her statement to the police, the complainant/prosecuterix alleged, that the appellant herein Prashant Bharti (hereinafter referred to as, the appellant-accused) was known to her for about four months. The appellant-accused was a resident of Lodhi Colony, New Delhi. It was alleged that on the preceding day i.e., on 15.2.2007, the appellant-accused had made a phone call to the complainant/prosecuterix, at about 8.45 pm, and asked her to meet him at Lodhi Colony, New Delhi. When she – reached Lodhi Colony, he drove her around in his car. He also offered the complainant/prosecuterix a cold drink (Pepsi) allegedly containing a poisonous/intoxicating substance. According to the complainant/prosecuterix she felt inebriated after taking the cold drink. In her aforesaid state, the appellant-accused started misbehaving with her. He also touched her breasts. Inspite of the complainant/prosecuterix stopping him, it was alleged, that the appellant-accused continued to misbehave with her. The complainant/prosecuterix then got the car stopped, and hired an auto-rickshaw to return to her residence. In her statement, the complainant/prosecuterix requested the police to take legal action against the appellant-accused.

3. Immediately after recording the statement of Priya (the complainant/prosecuterix) on 16.2.2007, the police took her to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (hereinafter referred to as, the AIIMS), New Delhi. She was medically examined at 1.44 pm. It is sufficient to record herein, that as per the medical report prepared at the AIIMS, there was no evidence of poisoning.

4. Based on the statement made by the complainant/prosecuterix, the appellant-accused Prashant Bharti was arrested at 6 pm, on the same day on which the complainant recorded her statement, i.e., on 16.2.2007, a day after the occurrence.

5. After a lapse of five further days, on 21.2.2007, at 8.20 am, the complainant/prosecuterix made a supplementary statement to the police. On this occasion, she alleged, that Prashant Bharti, the appellant-accused, had been having physical relations with her in his house, on the assurance –

that he would marry her. It was alleged by the complainant/prosecuterix, that the appellant-accused had subsequently refused to marry her. With reference to the incident of 15.2.2007, she alleged, that she had been administered some intoxicant in a cold drink (Pepsi) by Prashant Bharti, so as to enable him to have a physical relationship with her. But, it was alleged, that she did not succumb to his said desire on 15.2.2007. The complainant/prosecuterix further alleged, that after she returned to her residence on 15.2.2007, she did not feel well and accordingly, had gone to sleep. She therefore explained, why she had made her earlier complaint, on the following day of the incident. In her supplementary statement, she requested the police to take legal action against Prashant Bharti, the appellant-accused, for having physical relations with her (on 23.12.2006, 25.12.2006 and 1.1.2007) at his residence, on the basis of a false promise to marry her.

6. Immediately after recording her supplementary statement, the complainant/prosecuterix was taken to the AIIMS. She was medically examined at the AIIMS at 12 noon, on 21.2.2007. In the medical report prepared at the AIIMS after her examination, it was recorded, that she had no external injuries, and that her hymen was not intact. It was pointed out, that a vaginal smear was not taken, because more than a month had elapsed from the date of the alleged intercourse(s). Likewise, it was pointed out, that her clothes were not sent for forensic examination, because she had changed the clothes worn by her at the time of the alleged occurrence(s). In other words, the assertions made by the –

accused could not be tested scientifically, because the complainant was being medically examined, after a substantial delay.

7. Based on the supplementary statement of Priya (the complainant/prosecuterix) recorded on 21.2.2007, the offence under Section 376 was added to the case.

8. On 27.2.2007, the statement of the complainant/prosecuterix was recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by the Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi (in first information report no. 47 of 2007). A relevant extract of the aforesaid statement, is being reproduced below:-

“… then Prashant asked for my number and detail of address. I gave my office telephone number to him. In evening, Mr. Prashant Bharti called me and talked about loan and after some days, Prashant Bharti came to meet in my office and thereafter we became good friends and one day, Prashant Bharti told me that he loves me and wish to marry me and thereafter, we started meeting frequently and I consented for marriage.

One day, when all the family members were gone somewhere, Prashant Bharti called me to his home for party and he told me that he will marry me soon and will inform to his parents about our relationship and he made relation with me. And, whenever his home was vacant, he usually calls me up and when his parents came, I asked him to tell them about our relationship and he did not inform this and on this issue, we have fight with each other and I informed to his parents. Then his parents called Prashant about this and Prashant Bharti denied our relationship to his father and neither he wish to marry me and on that day, I was sent to my home by his parents.

After two days, Prashant Bharti called me and asked me to meet him, as he wish to tender apology and when I was going to reach my home from office, then I, through auto rickshaw, reached at Central School, Lodhi Colony, where Prashant Bharti was standing near to his Santro Car, and he met me there and he asked me that he has committed mistake and he wish to tender apology and after some –

time, he took me to his car and thereafter, he told me that he is feeling thirsty and thereafter, he brought Pepsi in car and we both took the Pepsi. And, after drinking the same, I lost my conscious and thereafter, he started misbehaving with me and I asked him that why he was doing so, then he told me that, as I complained to his father, he will take revenge from me, and he forcibly misbehaved with me, and I immediately got down from the car and by Auto, I came to my house and as I was unwell, I could not lodge my complaint with police. On the next day, I called 100 number PCR and there police official, accompanies me and I informed everything to SHO Surinder Jeet and on that basis, he was arrested.”

9. By an order dated 12.3.2007, the Additional Sessions Judge, Delhi granted bail to the appellant-accused. In the aforesaid order passed on 12.3.2007, the following factual position was relied upon, to extend the benefit of bail to the appellant-accused. The appellant-accused was in Sector 37, Noida in the State of Uttar Pradesh on 15.2.2007. He was at Noida before 7.55 pm. He, thereafter, remained at different places within Noida and then at Shakarpur, Ghaziabad, Patparganj, Jorbagh etc. From 9.15 pm to 11.30 pm on 15.2.2007, he remained present at a marriage anniversary function celebrated at Rangoli Lawns at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. An affidavit to the aforesaid effect filed by the appellant-accused was found to be correct by the investigating officer, on the basis of his mobile phone call details. Verification of the mobile phone call details of the complainant/prosecuterix Priya revealed, that on 15.2.2007, no calls were made by the appellant-accused to the complainant/prosecuterix, and that, it was the complainant/prosecuterix who had made calls to him. The complainant/prosecuterix, on and around the time referred to in the complaint dated 16.2.2007, was at different places of New Delhi i.e., in Defence Colony, Greater Kailash, Andrews Ganj and finally at –

Tughlakabad Extension, as per the verification of the investigating officer on the basis of her mobile phone call details. Even though the complainant/prosecuterix was married to one Manoj Kumar Soni, S/o Seeta Ram Soni (as indicated in an affidavit appended to the Delhi police format for information of tenants and duly verified by the investigating officer, wherein she had described herself as married), in the complaint made to the police (on 16.2.2007 and 21.2.2007), she had suggested that she was not married. At the time when the complainant/prosecuterix alleged, that the appellant-accused had misbehaved with her and had outraged her modesty on 15.2.2007 (per her complaint dated 16.2.2007), she was actually in conversation with her friends (as per the verification made by the investigating officer on the basis of her mobile phone call details). Even though the complainant/prosecuterix had merely alleged in her complaint dated 16.2.2007, that the accused had outraged her modesty by touching her breasts, she had subsequently through a supplementary statement (on 21.2.2007), levelled further allegations against the accused of having repeatedly raped her (on 23.12.2006, 25.12.2006 and 1.1.2007), on dates preceding the first complaint.

10. On 28.6.2007, the police filed a chargesheet under Sections 328, 354 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code. In the chargesheet, it was clearly mentioned, that the police investigation, from different angles, had not yielded any positive result. However, the chargesheet was based on the statement made by the complainant/prosecuterix before the Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which was found to be sufficient for the charges alleged – against the appellant-accused. A relevant extract of the chargesheet depicting the aforesaid factual position, is being reproduced below:- “I the Inspector, tried my best from all angles to recover the intoxicating substance/Pepsi/Pepsi glass and undergarments worn at the time of the rape. But nothing could be recovered and for this reason, the blood sample of accused could not be sent to FSL. As from the investigation so far conducted, no proof could be found in support of the crime under Section 328/354 IPC and even the position of accused Prashant Bharti is not available at Lodhi Colony at the date and time as his mobile phone ill. However, prosecuterix Priya Porwal made statement on 21.2.2007 and on 27.2.2007 under Section 164 Cr.P.C. which is sufficient in support of his challan for the offence under Section 376 IPC.”

(emphasis is ours)

11. Aggrieved by the first information report (bearing no. 47 –

of 2007) registered at the Police Station Lodhi Colony, New Delhi, the appellant-accused filed Writ Petition (Crl.) no. 1112 of 2007 before the Delhi High Court for quashing the said first information report on the ground, that the appellant-accused had been falsely implicated. The High Court, dismissed the said writ petition on 27.8.2007, without going into the merits of the controversy, by recording the following observations:- “This Court cannot quash the FIR on the ground that FIR was false FIR. In case of a false FIR, it must be brought to its logical conclusion and Investigating Officer must give a report to that effect. In this case, if it is found that the petitioner has been falsely implicated and the complaint was false, it would be obligatory on the part of the Investigating Officer to register a case and book the prosecuterix for falsely implicating the person in an offence under Section 376 IPC. It is a very serious matter that a prosecuterix just by making a false statement can book somebody in offence under Section 376 IPC, which is serious in nature and invites a minimum punishment of 07 years. I consider that Investigating Officer shall submit a detailed report and in case, it is that the petitioner was falsely implicated, he would take steps for booking the complainant for falsely implicating the petitioner.”

12. Interestingly, even the complainant/prosecuterix filed Writ Petition (Crl.) no. 257 of 2008 before the Delhi High Court seeking quashing of the first information report lodged by the complainant/prosecuterix herself. The High Court noticed the observations recorded in the order dated 27.8.2007 (passed in Writ Petition (Crl.) no. 1112 of 2007) and dismissed the writ petition filed by the complainant/prosecutrix.

13. On 1.12.2008, the Additional Sessions Judge, New Delhi, framed charges against the appellant-accused, by observing as under:- “4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case that prosecuterix has levelled specific allegations against the accused that she was given pepsi to drink and after consuming the same she was intoxicated and accused teased her, moved his hands on her breast and earlier made physical relations with her on the assurance of marriage, I am of the considered opinion that prosecution has brought prima facie sufficient material on record against the accused for charge under Sections 354/328/376 IPC. Let charge be framed accordingly.”

14. Dissatisfied with the action of the trial Court in framing charges against him, the appellant-accused filed Criminal Revision Petition no. 08 of 2009, whereby he assailed the order dated 1.12.2008 passed by the Additional Sessions Judge, New Delhi. The Delhi High Court dismissed the revision petition on 16.1.2009, by interalia observing as under:- “12. Truthfulness or falsity of the allegations, essentially pertains to the realm of evidence and the same cannot be pre-judged at this initial stage. I do not find any illegality or infirmity in the impugned order. Consequently, this Revision Petition is dismissed in limine while making it clear that anything herein shall not be construed as an opinion on merits at trial.”

15. Despite notice having been issued to the complainant/prosecuterix by this Court in the present case, she failed to enter personal appearance (or be represented through counsel). To procure her presence, bailable –

warrants were issued in furtherance of this Court’s order dated 12.5.2010 and again on 16.10.2012. Priya, the complainant/prosecuterix entered personal appearance on 8.11.2012. During the course of hearing, consequent upon clarifications sought from her in respect of her marital status (at the time of the alleged occurrences with the appellant-accused), she informed this Court, that even though she was married earlier, she had divorced her previous husband before the dates of occurrence. To verify the factual position pertaining to her marital status as on the dates of occurrence(s), she was asked to produce the judgment and decree of divorce, from her previous husband. She accordingly produced a certified copy of the judgment and decree of the Court of the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Kanpur (Rural) dated 23.9.2008. A photocopy thereof duly attested by Priya, the complainant/prosecuterix, and her counsel, were taken on record. A perusal of the same reveals, that the complainant/prosecuterix was married to Lalji Porwal on 14.6.2003. She was divorced from her said husband by mutual consent under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, on 23.9.2008. Priya, the complainant/prosecuterix also affirmed, that she had remarried thereafter. She also produced before us a “certificate of marriage” dated 30.9.2008. A photocopy thereof duly attested by Priya and her counsel, was also taken on record. A perusal of the same reveals, that Priya (date of birth, 17.6.1986), daughter of Anup Kumar was married to Manoj (date of birth, 8.12.1983), son of Ram Kumar, on 30.9.2008.

16. The factual position narrated above would enable us to draw some positive inferences on the assertion made by the complainant/prosecuterix – against the appellant-accused (in the supplementary statement dated 21.2.2007). It is relevant to notice, that she had alleged, that she was induced into a physical relationship by Prashant Bharti, on the assurance that he would marry her. Obviously, an inducement for marriage is understandable if the same is made to an unmarried person. The judgment and decree dated 23.9.2008 reveals, that the complainant/prosecuterix was married to Lalji Porwal on 14.6.2003. It also reveals, that the aforesaid marriage subsisted till 23.9.2008, when the two divorced one another by mutual consent under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act. In her supplementary statement dated 21.2.2007, the complainant/prosecuterix accused Prashant Bhati of having had physical relations with her on 23.12.2006, 25.12.2006 and 1.1.2007 at his residence, on the basis of a false promise to marry her. It is apparent from irrefutable evidence, that during the dates under reference and for a period of more than one year and eight months thereafter, she had remained married to Lalji Porwal. In such a fact situation, the assertion made by the complainant/prosecuterix, that the appellant-accused had physical relations with her, on the assurance that he would marry her, is per se false and as such, unacceptable. She, more than anybody else, was clearly aware of the fact that she had a subsisting valid marriage with Lalji Porwal. Accordingly, there was no question of anyone being in a position to induce her into a physical relationship under an assurance of marriage. If the judgment and decree dated 23.9.2008 produced before us by the complainant/prosecuterix herself is taken into consideration alongwith the factual position depicted in the supplementary statement dated 21.2.2007, –

it would clearly emerge, that the complainant/prosecuterix was in a relationship of adultery on 23.12.2006, 25.12.2006 and 1.1.2007 with the appellant-accused, while she was validly married to her previous husband Lalji Porwal. In the aforesaid view of the matter, we are satisfied that the assertion made by the complainant/prosecuterix, that she was induced to a physical relationship by Prashant Bharti, the appellant-accused, on the basis of a promise to marry her, stands irrefutably falsified.

17. Would it be possible for the prosecution to establish a sexual relationship between Priya, the complainant/prosecuterix and Prashant Bharti, the appellant-accused, is the next question which we shall attempt to answer. Insofar as the instant aspect of the matter is concerned, medical evidence discussed above reveals, that the complaint made by the complainant/prosecuterix alleging a sexual relationship with her by Prashant Bharti, the appellant-accused, was made more than one month after the alleged occurrences. It was, therefore, that during the course of her medical examination at the AIIMS, a vaginal smear was not taken. Her clothes were also not sent for forensic examination by the AIIMS, because she had allegedly changed the clothes which she had worn at the time of occurrence. In the absence of any such scientific evidence, the proof of sexual intercourse between the complainant/prosecuterix and the appellant- accused would be based on an assertion made by the complainant/prosecuterix. And an unequivocal denial thereof, by the appellant-accused. One’s word against the other. Based on the falsity of the statement made by the complainant/prosecuterix noticed above (and other such like falsities, to be narrated hereafter), it is unlikely, that a – factual assertion made by the complainant/prosecuterix, would be acceptable over that of the appellant-accused. For the sake of argument, even if it is assumed, that Prashant Bharti, the appellant-accused and Priya, the complainant/prosecuterix, actually had a physical relationship, as alleged, the same would necessarily have to be consensual, since it is the case of the complainant/prosecuterix herself, that the said physical relationship was with her consent consequent upon the assurance of marriage. But then, the discussion above, clearly negates such an assurance. A consensual relationship without any assurance, obviously will not substantiate the offence under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, alleged against Prashant Bharti.

18. Insofar as the assertion made by the complainant/prosecuterix, in her first complaint dated 16.2.2007 is concerned, it is apparent, that on the basis thereof, first information report no. 47 of 2007 was registered at Police Station Lodhi Colony, New Delhi. In her aforesaid complaint, Priya, the complainant/prosecuterix had alleged, that the appellant-accused had called her on her phone at 8.45 pm and asked her to meet him at Lodhi Colony, New Delhi. When she reached there, he drove her around in his car. He also offered her a cold drink (Pepsi) containing a poisonous/intoxicating substance. Having consumed the cold drink, she is stated to have felt inebriated, whereupon, he took advantage of her and started misbehaving with her, and also touched her breasts. Insofar as the instant aspect of the matter is concerned, the presence of the complainant/prosecuterix, as well as the appellant-accused, at the alleged place of occurrence (Lodhi Colony, New Delhi), on the night of – 15.2.2007 after 8.45 pm, has been established to be false on the basis of mobile phone call details of the parties concerned. Details in this respect have been summarized in paragraph 8 above. The same are not being repeated for reasons of brevity. The proof of the aforesaid factual matter must be considered to be conclusive for all intents and purposes, specially, in view of the observations made by this Court in Gajraj Vs. State (NCT) of Delhi [(2011) 10 SCC 675], wherein it was held as under:- “19. In the aforesaid sense of the matter, the discrepancy in the statement of Minakshi PW23, pointed out by the learned counsel for the accused-appellant, as also, the reasoning rendered by the High Court in the impugned judgment becomes insignificant. We are satisfied, that the process by which the accused-appellant came to be identified during the course of investigation, was legitimate and unassailable. The IEMI number of the handset, on which the accused-appellant was making calls by using a mobile phone (sim) registered in his name, being evidence of a conclusive nature, cannot be overlooked on the basis of such like minor discrepancies . In fact even a serious discrepancy in oral evidence, would have had to yield to the aforesaid authentic digital evidence which is a byproduct of machine operated electronic record having no manual interference. For the reasons recorded hereinabove, we find no merit in the first contention advanced at the hands of the learned counsel for the accused- appellant.”

The aforesaid factual conclusion, that the two concerned parties were not present at Lodhi Colony, New Delhi after 8.45 pm on 15.2.2007, as has been established on the basis of the investigation carried out by the police, cannot be altered at the culmination of the trial, since the basis of the aforesaid determination is scientific evidence. Neither has the said material been contested by the complainant/prosecutrix. Once it is concluded, that the complainant/prosecuterix and the appellant-accused were at different places, far away from one another, and certainly not in –

Lodhi Colony, New Delhi on the night of 15.2.2007, it is obvious that the allegation made by Priya, the complainant/prosecuterix against Prashant Bharti, the appellant-accused of having outraged her modesty, was false. What stands established now, as has been discussed above, will have to be reaffirmed on the basis of the same evidence at the culmination of the trial. Such being the fact situation, we have no other alternative but to conclude, that the allegations levelled by the complainant/prosecuterix, which culminated in the registration of a first information report at Police Station Lodhi Colony, New Delhi on 16.2.2007, as well as her supplementary statement, would never lead to his conviction.

19. The proposition of law, pertaining to quashing of criminal proceedings, initiated against an accused by a High Court under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (hereinafter referred to as “the Cr.P.C.”) has been dealt with by this Court in Rajiv Thapar & Ors. vs. Madan Lal Kapoor (Criminal Appeal No…… of 2013, arising out of SLP (Crl.) no.4883 of 2008, decided on 23.1.2013) wherein this Court inter alia held as under:

22. The issue being examined in the instant case is the jurisdiction of the High Court under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C., if it chooses to quash the initiation of the prosecution against an accused, at the stage of issuing process, or at the stage of committal, or even at the stage of framing of charges. These are all stages before the commencement of the actual trial. The same parameters would naturally be available for later stages as well. The power vested in the High Court under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C., at the stages referred to hereinabove, would have far reaching consequences, inasmuch as, it would negate the prosecution’s/complainant’s case without allowing the prosecution/complainant to lead evidence. Such a determination must always be rendered with caution, care and circumspection. To invoke its inherent jurisdiction under Section –

482 of the Cr.P.C. the High Court has to be fully satisfied, that the material produced by the accused is such, that would lead to the conclusion, that his/their defence is based on sound, reasonable, and indubitable facts; the material produced is such, as would rule out and displace the assertions contained in the charges levelled against the accused; and the material produced is such, as would clearly reject and overrule the veracity of the allegations contained in the accusations levelled by the prosecution/complainant. It should be sufficient to rule out, reject and discard the accusations levelled by the prosecution/complainant, without the necessity of recording any evidence. For this the material relied upon by the defence should not have been refuted, or alternatively, cannot be justifiably refuted, being material of sterling and impeccable quality. The material relied upon by the accused should be such, as would persuade a reasonable person to dismiss and condemn the actual basis of the accusations as false. In such a situation, the judicial conscience of the High Court would persuade it to exercise its power under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. to quash such criminal proceedings, for that would prevent abuse of process of the court, and secure the ends of justice.

23. Based on the factors canvassed in the foregoing paragraphs, we would delineate the following steps to determine the veracity of a prayer for quashing, raised by an accused by invoking the power vested in the High Court under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C.:-

(i) Step one, whether the material relied upon by the accused is sound, reasonable, and indubitable, i.e., the material is of sterling and impeccable quality?

(ii) Step two, whether the material relied upon by the accused, would rule out the assertions contained in the charges levelled against the accused, i.e., the material is sufficient to reject and overrule the factual assertions contained in the complaint, i.e., the material is such, as would persuade a reasonable person to dismiss and condemn the factual basis of the accusations as false.

(iii) Step three, whether the material relied upon by the accused, has not been refuted by the prosecution/complainant; and/or the material is such, that it cannot be justifiably refuted by the prosecution/complainant?

(iv) Step four, whether proceeding with the trial would result in an abuse of process of the court, and would not serve the ends of justice?

If the answer to all the steps is in the affirmative, judicial conscience of the High Court should persuade it to quash such criminal –

proceedings, in exercise of power vested in it under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. Such exercise of power, besides doing justice to the accused, would save precious court time, which would otherwise be wasted in holding such a trial (as well as, proceedings arising therefrom) specially when, it is clear that the same would not conclude in the conviction of the accused.”

20. The details in respect of each aspect of the matter, arising out of the complaints made by Priya on 16.2.2007 and 21.2.2007 have been examined in extensive detail in the foregoing paragraphs. We shall now determine whether the steps noticed by this Court in the judgment extracted hereinabove can be stated to have been satisfied. In so far as the instant aspect of the matter is concerned, the factual details referred to in the foregoing paragraphs are being summarized hereafter. Firstly, the appellant-accused was in Sector 37, Noida in the State of Uttar Pradesh on 15.2.2007. He was at Noida before 7.55 pm. He, thereafter, remained at different places within Noida and then at Shakarpur, Ghaziabad, Patparganj, Jorbagh etc. From 9.15 pm to 11.30 pm on 15.2.2007, he remained present at a marriage anniversary function celebrated at Rangoli Lawns at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. An affidavit to the aforesaid effect filed by the appellant- accused was found to be correct by the investigating officer on the basis of his mobile phone call details. The accused was therefore not at the place of occurrence, as alleged in the complaint dated 16.2.2007. Secondly, verification of the mobile phone call details of the complainant/prosecuterix Priya revealed, that on 15.2.2007, no calls were made by the appellant-accused to the complainant/prosecuterix, and that, it was the complainant/prosecuterix who had made calls to him. Thirdly, the complainant/prosecuterix, on and around the time referred to in the –

complaint dated 16.2.2007, was at different places of New Delhi i.e., in Defence Colony, Greater Kailash, Andrews Ganj and finally at Tughlakabad Extension, as per the verification of the investigating officer on the basis of her mobile phone call details. The complainant was also not at the place of occurrence, as she herself alleged in the complaint dated 16.2.2007. Fourthly, at the time when the complainant/prosecuterix alleged, that the appellant-accused had misbehaved with her and had outraged her modesty on 15.2.2007 (as per her complaint dated 16.2.2007), she was actually in conversation with her friends (as per the verification made by the investigating officer on the basis of her mobile phone call details). Fifthly, even though the complainant/prosecuterix had merely alleged in her complaint dated 16.2.2007, that the accused had outraged her modesty by touching her breasts, she had subsequently through a supplementary statement (on 21.2.2007), levelled allegations against the accused for offence of rape. Sixthly, even though the complainant/prosecuterix was married to one Manoj Kumar Soni, s/o Seeta Ram Soni (as indicated in an affidavit appended to the Delhi police format for information of tenants and duly verified by the investigating officer, wherein she had described herself as married), in the complaint made to the police (on 16.2.2007 and 21.2.2007), she had suggested that she was unmarried. Seventhly, as per the judgment and decree of the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Kanpur (Rural) dated 23.9.2008, the complainant was married to Lalji Porva on 14.6.2003. The aforesaid marriage subsisted till 23.9.2008. The allegations made by the complainant dated 16.2.2007 and 21.2.2007 pertain to occurrences of 23.12.2006, 25.12.2006, 1.1.2007 and –

15.2.2007, i.e., positively during the subsistence of her marriage with Lalji Porwal. Thereafter, the complainant Priya married another man Manoj on 30.9.2008. This is evidenced by a “certificate of marriage” dated 30.9.2008. In view of the aforesaid, it is apparent that the complainant could not have been induced into a physical relationship, based on an assurance of marriage. Eighthly, the physical relationship between the complainant and the accused was admittedly consensual. In her complaints Priya had however asserted, that her consent was based on a false assurance of marriage by the accused. Since the aspect of assurance stands falsified, the acknowledged consensual physical relationship between the parties would not constitute an offence under Section 376 IPC. Especially because the complainant was a major on the date of occurrences, which fact emerges from the “certificate of marriage” dated 30.9.2008, indicating her date of birth as 17.7.1986. Ninthly, as per the medical report recorded by the AIIMS dated 16.2.2007, the examination of the complainant did not evidence her having been poisoned. The instant allegation made by the complainant cannot now be established because even in the medical report dated 16.2.2007 it was observed that blood samples could not be sent for examination because of the intervening delay. For the same reason even the allegations levelled by the accused of having been administered some intoxicant in a cold drink (Pepsi) cannot now be established by cogent evidence. Tenthly, The factual position indicated in the charge-sheet dated 28.6.2007, that despite best efforts made by the investigating officer, the police could not recover the container of the cold drink (Pepsi) or the glass from which the –

complainant had consumed the same. The allegations made by the complainant could not be verified even by the police from any direct or scientific evidence, is apparent from a perusal of the charge-sheet dated 28.6.2007. Eleventhly, as per the medical report recorded by the AIIMS dated 21.2.2007 the assertions made by the complainant that the accused had physical relations with her on 23.12.2006, 25.12.2006 and 1.1.2007, cannot likewise be verified as opined in the medical report, on account of delay between the dates of occurrences and her eventual medical examination on 21.2.2007. It was for this reason, that neither the vaginal smear was taken, nor her clothes were sent for forensic examination.

21. Most importantly, as against the aforesaid allegations, no pleadings whatsoever have been filed by the complainant. Even during the course of hearing, the material relied upon by the accused was not refuted. As a matter of fact, the complainant/prosecutrix had herself approached the High Court, with the prayer that the first information lodged by her, be quashed. It would therefore be legitimate to conclude, in the facts and circumstances of this case, that the material relied upon by the accused has not been refuted by the complainant/prosecutrix. Even in the charge sheet dated 28.6.2007, (extracted above) the investigating officer has acknowledged, that he could not find any proof to substantiate the charges. The charge-sheet had been filed only on the basis of the statement of the complainant/prosecutrix under Section 164 of the Cr.P.C.

22. Based on the holistic consideration of the facts and circumstances summarized in the foregoing two paragraphs; we are satisfied, that all the steps delineated by this Court in Rajiv Thapar’s case (supra) stand – satisfied. All the steps can only be answered in the affirmative. We therefore have no hesitation whatsoever in concluding, that judicial conscience of the High Court ought to have persuaded it, on the basis of the material available before it, while passing the impugned order, to quash the criminal proceedings initiated against the accused-appellant, in exercise of the inherent powers vested with it under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. Accordingly, based on the conclusions drawn hereinabove, we are satisfied, that the first information report registered under Sections 328, 354 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code against the appellant-accused, and the consequential chargesheet dated 28.6.2007, as also the framing of charges by the Additional Sessions Judge, New Delhi on 1.12.2008, deserves to be quashed. The same are accordingly quashed.

Disposed of in the aforesaid terms.

…………………………….J.

(D.K. Jain)

…………………………….J.

(Jagdish Singh Khehar)

New Delhi;

January 23, 2013.

Categories: Judgement

HC:Wife gang raped – husband not entitled to divorce

HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT ALLAHABAD

2005 AllLJ 102
AFR
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT ALLAHABAD
First Appeal No. 1084 Of 2003

Sri A …………………………….. Appellant
Versus

Smt. A …………………………………….. Respondent

Sri TP Singh … Advocates for the appellant
Sri Siddharth Singh

Sri Sher Singh
…. Advocate for the Respondent

Coram
Hon’ble Yatindra Singh, J
Hon’ble VS Bajpai, J
Date of Judgement: 5.8.2004
Judgement

HON’BLE YATINDRA SINGH, J
HON’BLE V.S.BAJPAI, J

(Delivered by Hon’ble Yatindra Singh, J)
1. This is an unfortunate case and we are deciding it with heavy heart.
THE FACTS
2. The appellant is the husband of the contesting respondent. The appellant and his two brothers are in Defence Services. However they are not in the officer category. His father was in defence services and has now retired. They have rural background. The appellant has a married sister who resides in the city of the same district. The father of the contesting respondent resides in the adjoining district. The contesting respondent also has rural background and has studied upto High School. Their residences are within the distance of 20 Kms from each other.

3. The parties were married on 11th May 1999 and lived together for some days after their marriage. The appellant joined his duties but could not take the contesting respondent alongwith him. The parties again lived together for some time in the month of October-November, 1999 when the appellant had come to his home district. The time when they were not together, the contesting respondent has been residing at her father’s residence and was visiting her in-laws off and on. The appellant was to come to take the contesting respondent with him but an unfortunate incident took place during 11-13 April 2000. Immediately thereafter the present suit for divorce has been filed by the appellant.

4. The plaint allegations are that:
The contesting respondent has illicit relationship with respondent no. 2.
She had been missing from 11 to 13 April, 2000 for which an FIR was lodged by the father of the contesting respondent on 12.4.2000. She was found in unconscious state on 13.4.2000 near a railway track.
She had left her father’s residence on 11.4.2000 with respondent no. 2 for abortion but later on respondent no. 2 duped her and she was gang raped during 11-13 April, 2000.

5. The contesting respondent filed her written statement. She did not deny that she was missing from 11-13 April, 2000 however she alleged that:
She does not know anyone by the name of respondent no. 2. She neither has any illicit relationship with respondent no. 2 nor anyone else.
Her in laws used to ill-treat her and the appellant had promised to take her with him. She was informed that the Appellant was coming and she was to meet him at the residence of the appellant’s sister.
She had gone to meet the appellant on 11.4.2000 at the residence of the appellant’s sister where the appellant’s father and husband of the appellant’s sister’s were present. They gave her tea mixed with some intoxicant. She became unconscious after taking it. Thereafter she was left near the railway track.
She does not know what had happened with her during 11-13 April, 2000 as she was unconscious.

6. The Trial court held that:
(i)The contesting respondent has no illicit relationship with respondent no 2 or anyone.
(ii)There is no cruelty on part of the appellant or his family members.
(iii)Rape is not a ground for divorce.
On these findings, the suit was dismissed hence the present appeal.

POINTS FOR DETERMINATION
7. We have heard counsels for the parties. Following points arises for determination.
(i) Whether the contesting respondent has illicit relationship with Respondent no. 2.
(ii)Whether the contesting respondent has treated the appellant with cruelty.

POINT NO. 1: NO ILLICIT RELATIONSHIP
8. The appellant, in order to prove his case, has produced himself as PW1 and his father as PW2. The appellant in his cross examination does not doubt about the conduct of his wife; on the other hand he has stated that her conduct was good. He further states that he neither knows respondent no. 2 nor can he recognise him. The father of the appellant has stated in his cross-examination that the contesting respondent has always paid respect to him and the other family members. He has further stated that her character is good and he has never seen the contesting respondent doing anything improper or wrong.

9. The appellant has filed some original documents as well as photostat copies of some letters. The original documents are neither proved nor exhibited. The counsel for the appellant did not refer to the original documents but has referred to the photostat copies of the letters alleged to be written by the contesting respondent. She was not confronted with these copies. They are neither proved nor exhibited. These letters appear to be written in different hand writing and perhaps created for the purposes of this case. No reliance can be placed upon them.

10. The counsel for the appellant also placed reliance on the FIR lodged by the father of the contesting respondent on 12.4.2000. It merely shows that the appellant was missing since 8 pm from 11.4.2000. The fact that the contesting respondent was missing is not disputed. The FIR does not throw any light as to why she was missing or what has happened to her. It is not relevant in deciding the question whether the contesting respondent has any relationship with respondent no. 2 or not.

11. The contesting respondent in order to support her case has produced herself and her father. She has stated in her statement that she neither knows Respondent no. 2, nor has any illicit relation with him or anyone else. There is nothing to show that her statement in this regard is false. There is nothing on record to show that there is anyone by the name of respondent no. 2. There is also nothing on record to show that the contesting respondent has illicit relationship with respondent no. 2 or anyone else. The trial court had occasion to see the demeanour of the witnesses. It has recorded a finding that the contesting respondent has no illicit relationship with respondent no. 2 or any one else and we affirm it.
POINT NO. 2: NO CURETLY
12. No issue on the ground of cruelty was framed by the trial court. The judgement was reserved by the trial court on 6.9.2003 and 9.9.2003 was fixed for the judgement. An application was filed by the appellant on 8.9.2003 that the case may be decided considering the cruelty on the part of the contesting respondent. This was objected by the contesting respondent. The court below while recording a finding on issue no. 2 has expressed its opinion on cruelty also. In these circumstances we also consider it appropriate to express our opinion on the question of cruelty. But first–a few words regarding incident during 11-13 April 2000.

Incident–11-13 April 2000
13. The case alleged by the appellant is that the contesting respondent has run away with respondent no. 2 on 11.4.2000 to have abortion and was later duped and gang raped.

14. The fact that the contesting respondent was missing during 11-13 April, 2000 is not disputed. The dispute is about the reasons for going out on 11.4.2000 and what has happened to the contesting respondent during this period.

15. There is no evidence that the contesting respondent had gone out with respondent no. 2. Apart from it, the contesting respondent was married and had spent some time with her husband. More than nine months had already elapsed since they had lived as husband and wife. The incident is of 10th month. There was no necessity for getting abortion. In case the contesting respondent wanted an abortion then she would have informed her husband and gone with her family members. Apart from it, the contesting respondent would have gone for abortion in the morning so that she may come back by the evening but she would not have gone late in the evening. The case set up by the appellant is not only without evidence but improbable.

16. The contesting respondent in her statement has explained it as follows:
‘The appellant was coming to take her. She was asked to meet him at the residence of the appellant’s sister since the conduct and behaviour of her in-laws was not good. She had gone to the residence of the appellant’s sister where husband of the appellant’s sister and father of the appellant were present. They gave her tea mixed with some intoxicant and she became unconscious after taking it. She has no knowledge as to what has happened to her thereafter.’

17. The Trial court has held that there was neither any demand of dowry nor her in-laws ill-treated her. We have no reason to come to any other conclusion. So part of the case set up by the contesting respondent is wrong. The counsel for the appellant submitted that in case the contesting respondent was not ill treated by the appellant or his family members then there was no occasion for her to go to the residence of the appellant’s sister and the entire case set up by the contesting respondent is false.

18. Merely because a part of the case set up by the contesting respondent is not believed does not mean that the entire case set up by the contesting respondent is false. According to the contesting respondent, she had gone to house of her sister-in-law. It is strange that the appellant’s sister or her husband have not been examined to prove whether the contesting respondent went to their house or not. If the version of the contesting respondent was not true then why did they not support the appellant? They are the appellant’s sister and her husband; closer to the appellant than to the contesting respondent.

19. According to the contesting respondent, her father in-law was also at her sister in-law’s house. The father in law has not stated that whether he went there or not and whether he met the contesting respondent there or not. The appellant’s sister stays in the city. It has come in evidence that he sometimes used to stay at her sister’s house. It is possible that the contesting respondent was given information that the appellant was to meet her there and she went there. It is also possible that while she was going there on 11.4.2000 she met some acquaintance on the way, or she met some acquaintance in the evening of 11.4.2000 who played the dirty trick. Any version may be true: there is more to the case than that what has come before the court. We will never know; both sides seem to be hiding something and the truth seems to be in between.

20. Irrespective of the versions put forward by the parties, one thing is certain: an unfortunate incident has happened with the contesting respondent during 11- to 13 April 2000. In case plaint allegations are to be believed then the contesting respondent was gang raped. There is no evidence for the same but it seems probable and the persons responsible seem to be a known acquaintance and not a stranger. The contesting respondent may not be disclosing the entire picture; it is natural: any girl would be hesitant to talk about it. It is not necessary to probe further in this regard because adultery is a ground for divorce, rape isn’t. There is fundamental difference between the two: one is with consent and the other is without consent. There is no evidence that the contesting respondent was a consenting party or she has committed adultery.

21. The counsel for the appellant placed reliance on the observations of the conciliation committee where it records that the contesting respondent is inconsistent and is not telling the truth. He submitted that her entire story be disbelieved. In order to understand it, we should also understand psychology behind rape and reaction of a rape victim.

22. It is often said that rape is primarily a sexual act and due to this belief the victim is put on trial. Her motives, her dress, and her actions become suspect not only to the police but also to her family and friends. Her credibility is questioned and her sexual activity and private life is made public. Some studies in the western world indicate that rape is a crime of violence, often regarded by the woman as a life-threatening act in which fear, embarrassment and humiliation are her dominant emotions. No wonder the victim is unwilling to talk about it, or is hesitant, or is inconsistent in recalling it. The conciliation committee has not considered this aspect; and if its observations are seen in this light then the entire story of the contesting respondent can not be disbelieved.
Regarding Cruelty
23. The counsel for the appellant submitted that:
The contesting respondent has falsely alleged that his family members had demanded dowry and harassed the contesting respondent.
This is cruelty and
He is entitled to get divorce on this ground.

24. It is true that the contesting respondent has alleged harassment on the part of her in-laws and we have upheld the finding of the trial court negating it. The trial court has negated it on the ground that the contesting respondent had not mentioned it prior to filing of the suit. This can never be cruelty. The allegations in the case should be considered in the background of the case.

25. A sad incident had taken place with the contesting respondent. After this incident, she stayed in her in laws residence for 2-3 months. Her husband was also there for the short time. Thereafter she was sent to her father’s place. One should consider her plight; she went through a trauma; then rejections by her in-laws; thereafter this divorce suit by her husband. If her allegations are seen in these circumstances, then they do not amount to cruelty on her part; perhaps it is the appellant who is being unfair.
26. The counsel for the appellant suggested that:
It is not possible for the appellant move in the society with a person who has been gang raped.
It is a kind of cruelty on him and
He is entitled to get divorce on this ground.
We have no words to describe this submission. The least we can say: we are appalled. It is beyond our comprehension that anyone can even make such suggestion. It shows lack of understanding regarding rape, trauma, and emotional needs of a rape victim.

27. Rape leaves physical as well as emotional scars on the victim. Her physical wounds may be healed but the emotional scars, though less visible, are more difficult to treat. A rape victim goes through a life threatening situation and will need time and support to recover. She feels varying degrees of fear, guilt, embarrassment, and anger. It is important for all those close to her to understand her feelings and support her through the crisis. She is likely to be fearful about the routine activities of her daily life. She may approach strangers and even friends and acquaintances with a new caution. She may feel guilt, wondering why she was the victim. She may question whether she really did ‘ask for it’ or led someone to the wrong impression. She may also be embarrassed about what other people think of her. In such a situation, she needs moral support.

28. What was fault of the contesting respondent in this episode; perhaps she trusted people more than they deserved. Merely for this misjudgement, should she be given this kind of treatment? We don’t think so.

29. A rape victim doesn’t require our condemnation; it is the person who commits rape deserves it. The rape victim doesn’t require divorce suit slapped on her; she doesn’t require court room: she requires counselling, understanding, compassion, and moral support. She is not to be deserted. The appellant’s family has shown some compassion. The father of the appellant has stated good things about the contesting respondent but it is not sufficient; they have to lend moral support and accept her.
CONCLUSION
30. Our conclusions are as follows:
(i)The contesting respondent has no illicit relationship with Respondent no. 2 or anyone else.
(ii)Rape is not a ground for divorce.
(iii)The husband can not claim cruelty because he has to live with a rape victim.
(iv)There is no cruelty on the part of the contesting respondent.
On our findings, the appeal is dismissed with costs.

31. All well that ends well and we hope it will end well. We wish that the appellant and his family members will accept the contesting respondent. We are sure they will have happy, normal life.

Date: 5.8.2004
SKS

End Note-1: Considering the facts of the case we have not disclosed identities of the parties.

Categories: Judgement, Judgement

Justice Dhingra: On being caught of Extra Martial Affair wife slapped rape charge

Crl. Appeal No.836/2010 Sadhu Ram @ Dalip v The State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) Page 1 Of 4* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI Date of Reserve: 3rd August 2010 Date of Order: September 10th, 2010 + Crl. Appeal No.836/2009 % 10.09.2010 Sadhu Ram @ Dalip …Appellant Versus The State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) …Respondent Counsels: Mr. Arun Rathee and Mr. Durgesh Pandey for petitioner. Mr. Sunil Sharma, APP for State/ respondent. JUSTICE SHIV NARAYAN DHINGRA 1. Whether reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2. To be referred to the reporter or not? 3. Whether judgment should be reported in Digest? JUDGMENT

2. PW-1 is the prosecutrix in this case. She testified before that Court that on 3

1. This appeal has been preferred against judgment dated 4th September, 2009 and order on sentence dated 11th September 2009 passed by learned Additional Sessions Judge whereby the appellant was convicted under Section 376,323,506 IPC and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a term of ten years and fine of Rs.10,000/-; six months RI and one year imprisonment respectively for these offences. rd March, 2008 while she was at her home in the evening and her husband was away to fields, appellant, a milk vendor, who used to come to her house, came to her house at around 9 pm when her children were asleep and knocked at the door. She thought that her husband had come back from fields and she opened the door. The  accused/appellant gagged her mouth, bolted the door from inside and took her to the other room where her children were not sleeping and committed rape upon her. Thereafter, the appellant/accused left and threatened that if she would inform her husband or anybody else, she would be killed. He also slapped her. She did not disclose to her husband about the incident, who returned back on next morning, but she left her husband’s house and went to her parental house at Siddhipur, Haryana. At her parent’s house, she did not tell anything about the incident as she was scared of her life and the life of her husband but subsequently she revealed the incident to her mother who informed it to her father and then on the advice of her parents, she approached police on 12th March, 2008 and a case was got registered against the accused/appellant. The investigating officer took her to hospital where she was medically examined. Police came to her house and seized her clothes. 3. The defence taken by the accused was that the act of sexual intercourse had taken place with the consent of prosecutrix. The prosecutrix was having an extra-marital affair and it was not a case of rape. Since the relationship was exposed, he was falsely implicated in a rape case.This defence was not believed and on the basis of testimony of prosecutrix, the appellant was convicted by the learned trial court for the above offences. Crl. Appeal No.836/2010 Sadhu Ram @ Dalip v The State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) Page 3 Of 4 further evidence was required by the appellant to prove the photograph. An admitted fact is not required to be proved further. However, the trial court observed that this photograph was not proved by proving its negative. The trial court rejected this piece of evidence. 5. The explanation given by the prosecutrix about photograph also does not appear to be correct because it is not the case of the prosecutrix that the appellant was related to her. The case of the prosecutrix is that the appellant was a milk vendor and used to come to her house for purchasing milk. I consider that nobody would get herself so intimately photographed, even at a marriage, as the two are seen in photograph unless they are in love with each other. The photographs which are usually taken at marriages are of family participating in the marriage function in a normal marriage clothes. It is not so here. Neither the prosecutrix nor the appellant are dressed for a marriage function. Thus, the version of the appellant that the photograph was taken at a studio when prosecutrix accompanied him to studio, seems to be more probable and trustworthy. This proves that the prosecutrix and the appellant were having an affair even before the incident and most probably this was not in the knowledge of her husband or her parents.Crl. Appeal No.836/2010 Sadhu Ram @ Dalip v The State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) Page 4 Of 4 is the elder brother of husband of the prosecutrix and he deposed in favour of the appellant and stated that the prosecutrix made a tutored statement before the Court. He deposed that Rajesh, husband of prosecutrix, had a doubt about the prosecutrix having extra marital relations with the accused and for that reason he compelled his wife to implicate the appellant in a rape case. He also had a dispute regarding money with the appellant. The CFSL report also did not support the prosecution story and the alleged semen-stained clothes sent CFSL did not show that the semen of the appellant was there on the clothes of the prosecutrix. The sample of blood was also putrefied. 7. Considering the entire evidence, I consider that it is not a case where the offence of rape by the appellant stood proved beyond reasonable doubt. There is every probability that the prosecutrix was having extra marital relations with the appellant and after discovery of her relations with appellant, under the pressure of her husband got implicated the appellant in a rape case. It seems a case of sex with consent since the affairs between appellant and the prosecutrix seemed to be going on for quite some time. 8. I, therefore, consider that the appellant should have been given benefit of doubt. In the result, the appeal is allowed and the judgment and order on sentence passed by the trial court is hereby set aside. The appellant is acquitted. He be released from jail forthwith. 9. The appeal stands allowed.September 10, 2010 SHIV NARAYAN DHINGRA, J rd

4. A perusal of the testimony of prosecutrix would show that during her cross examination, a photograph of herself with accused was admitted by her. This photograph showed the prosecutrix and the appellant in an intimate relationship with hands of the appellant around the neck and body of prosecutrix. Though she did not deny the photograph, her explanation was that this photograph might have been taken on an occasion of some marriage in the family. The contention of the appellant was that the photograph was taken when the parties had visited K.K. Digital Studio for getting themselves photographed. Since the photograph was not denied by the prosecutrix no

6. The parent of prosecutrix appeared as PW-3 and PW-4. Both of them did not support the prosecution story and stated that they had not made any statement to the police regarding their daughter having told them about rape having been committed on her by the appellant. PW-11 Dr. Shruti Ranjan who had examined prosecutrix stated that the under garments were not made available, therefore, they were not seized. She stated that she did not observe any kind of bruises or sign of struggle on the part of the body of the prosecutrix. It was very difficult for her to give opinion whether the prosecutrix was raped or not but she testified that prosecutrix and the appellate, when produced by the police in the hospital, appeared friendly to each other at that time. DW-2

http://lobis.nic.in/dhc/SND/judgement/10-09-2010/SND10092010CRLA8362009.pdf

Categories: Judgement