Delhi HC orders POCSO accused to do community service and pay of Rs 50,000 to Army welfare fund

Delhi HC orders POCSO accused to do community service and pay of Rs 50,000 to Army welfare fund

New Delhi:

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has quashed an FIR registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against a man accused of harassing a minor schoolgirl. The court, while disapproving of the accused’s conduct, directed him to perform a month-long community service at a government hospital and pay Rs 50,000 to the Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties.

Justice Sanjeev Narula, delivering the verdict on May 27, criticised the conduct of the accused, who had allegedly threatened a minor girl with the dissemination of her private photographs if she did not meet his financial demands.

"Such behaviour reflected a gross misuse of digital platforms and an alarming disregard for consent and personal dignity," the court observed.

It further noted that the allegations were “undoubtedly serious”, involving charges of harassment and exploitation of a minor girl. The court said the case reflected “a pattern emblematic of the darker undercurrents of the social media age, where technology is misused to exert control, induce fear, and compromise dignity.”

Read More 1996 Coimbatore bomb blast: Prime accused Sadiq Raja arrested in Karnataka after 29 years on run

Balancing justice and victim’s right to closure

Justice Narula acknowledged that under ordinary circumstances, such allegations would not warrant quashing of the FIR. However, the law also recognises the importance of the victim's right to privacy, dignity, and emotional closure.

Read More Radhika Yadav murder: How a daughter's success in sports became a father's shame

"The complainant has unequivocally expressed her desire to move on from this chapter, and has articulated the social and emotional burden that the continued pendency of this criminal case may place upon her, particularly in the context of her future prospects, including marriage," the court stated.

Read More 'No vacancy for CM post in Karnataka': Siddaramaiah says next election will be fought under his leadership

Conditions for FIR quashing

The court directed the petitioner to perform one month of community service at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital during June. A certificate confirming the completion of the service is to be filed with the registry.

Any absenteeism, default, or misconduct during the course of service would require the medical superintendent to alert the concerned police officer. In such a case, the matter may be brought back before the court for appropriate orders, including the possible revival of the FIR.

In addition, the petitioner was ordered to pay Rs 50,000 to the Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties.

Background of the Case

The petitioner, a senior student at the complainant’s school, had allegedly asked her for private photographs in 2017, claiming such exchanges were common in romantic relationships. After a disagreement, they ceased communication.

In February 2018, he allegedly resumed contact and demanded Rs 6,000 while threatening to circulate her photos online. The complainant claimed she made several payments under duress. Later, in April 2018, a friend of the petitioner also allegedly blackmailed her, prompting another payment.

An FIR was eventually registered in 2019, including charges of voyeurism, criminal intimidation, and assault under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with sexual harassment under the POCSO Act.

The court also took on record the petitioner’s statement asserting that he had not retained any of the private photographs.

(With PTI inputs)

Tags:

About The Author

Aryan Age Picture

Welcome to Aryan Age, an English newspaper that has been serving readers since 2011 from Delhi. With a loyal circulation of over 19,000, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news and information, as well as insightful analysis and commentary that help them navigate the complex and rapidly changing world.

Post Comment

Comment List

Latest News

Live Cricket Score

Advertisement

Science & Tech

Astronaut Shubanshu Shukla and NASA Axiom-4 crew prepare to return to earth on this date Astronaut Shubanshu Shukla and NASA Axiom-4 crew prepare to return to earth on this date
New Delhi: Indian astronaut Shubanshu Shukla, along with three other crew members of NASA’s Axiom-4 mission, is gearing up to...
How Nations Bizz Balances Breaking News with Deep-Dive Analysis in Business & Tech?

Health

UN warns 4 million could die from AIDS by 2029 as U.S. cuts HIV funding UN warns 4 million could die from AIDS by 2029 as U.S. cuts HIV funding
New Delhi: A recent UNAIDS report, which was released on Thursday, revealed that the sudden withdrawal of US investment into...
Is it just burnout or something serious? When should you take brain fog seriously, doctor answers

Lifestyle

Memory games to mental math: Try these brain exercises to improve your memory Memory games to mental math: Try these brain exercises to improve your memory
New Delhi: Your brain is one of the most important organs in the body. It controls different functions of the...
Consume these healthy, low-sodium snacks to satisfy your tea-time cravings, know recipe