Allahabad High Court Ruling Sparks Outcry Among Legal Experts

Legal experts criticized an Allahabad High Court ruling that deemed certain actions insufficient to constitute rape, citing concerns over its impact on public confidence in the judiciary. They emphasized the need for a victim-centric approach to ensure justice and discourage dismissing or minimizing survivors' experiences.

In a controversial ruling, the Allahabad High Court determined that actions such as grabbing a woman's breasts and breaking the string of her 'pyjama' do not constitute rape, sparking widespread criticism from legal experts.

Prominent figures, including Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, expressed deep concern over the decision, warning that such interpretations undermine public confidence and may deter victims of sexual violence from reporting incidents. The ruling, seen as a troubling precedent, narrowly defines what constitutes an attempted rape, raising fears of a negative societal message.

Experts urge the judiciary to adopt a victim-centric approach, ensuring that actions indicative of rape intent are recognized and prosecuted appropriately. Senior advocates emphasize that the judiciary's commitment to victim protection is crucial, warning that personal judicial views should not influence interpretations of settled law and jurisprudence.

(With inputs from agencies.)