Supreme Court Stalls Controversial Allahabad HC Ruling

The Supreme Court has stayed the observations made by the Allahabad High Court, which controversially stated that grabbing a breast and pulling a pyjama string do not constitute rape. The bench criticized the insensitivity of the High Court's remarks and issued notices seeking responses from various governmental bodies.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday intervened in a case stemming from a controversial ruling by the Allahabad High Court. The High Court had stated that actions such as grabbing a breast and pulling a pyjama string do not classify as rape, a judgment that has drawn significant criticism.

A bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih expressed dismay over the insensitivity displayed in the High Court's comments, describing them as inhuman. The Supreme Court has initiated suo motu proceedings and issued notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government, and others involved.

The contentious High Court order argued these acts fall under the category of assault rather than rape. Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra passed this order in response to a revision petition from two individuals challenging their summons under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code alongside other offenses.

(With inputs from agencies.)