The Supreme Court has stayed the Allahabad High Court’s controversial judgment, which stated that actions like grabbing a woman’s breasts or pulling the string of her pyjamas do not qualify as an attempt to rape. The top court took action after the organization ‘We the Women of India’ raised concerns.
Court Takes Immediate Action
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih criticized the ruling. They said it showed a “total lack of sensitivity” from the high court judge. The Supreme Court noted that the judgment was not made in haste. The judge delivered it four months after reserving the decision, which showed deliberate thought.
Observations Called “Inhuman”
The Supreme Court usually avoids granting a stay at this stage. However, in this case, it found the observations in paragraphs 21, 24, and 26 unacceptable. The bench stated these remarks were “unknown to the canons of law” and showed an “inhuman approach.” Therefore, it stayed those observations.
Ensuring Sensitivity in Sexual Assault Cases
This decision highlights the Supreme Court’s commitment to ensuring sensitivity in cases of sexual violence. It also sets an important precedent for future judgments
