In a strong stance against sexual violence, the Delhi High Court has denied anticipatory bail to an individual accused of repeatedly raping a minor. The court unequivocally stated that a friendship between the accused and the victim does not, under any circumstances, permit acts of rape, unlawful confinement, or physical assault. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed the bail application, noting the accused’s failure to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and previous instances where his bail pleas were withdrawn or rejected.
The court underscored that even if the individuals were friends, this relationship does not grant permission to commit such heinous acts. The judge’s order cited that the allegations, which include repeated sexual assault and physical violence in a friend’s house, are prima facie supported by the victim’s statement and medical records.
The case stems from a complaint filed by the minor victim, who alleged that the accused, a long-time neighbor, had lured her to a friend’s residence. There, she claims he assaulted her, threatened her life if she spoke out, and repeatedly subjected her to sexual violence. The accused had argued for bail by citing a delay in the FIR filing and claiming the relationship was consensual.
However, Justice Sharma dismissed the delay argument, attributing the victim’s initial hesitation to report the incident to the fear and trauma she endured. The court concluded that given the serious allegations, which are corroborated by evidence, there is no ground to grant anticipatory bail, and the application was consequently dismissed.