In a case that has lasted for eight years, the Tis Hazari court in Delhi recently cleared a man of cruelty charges related to dowry, as well as his father and sister of allegations of gang rape. This verdict is significant because the court has taken the step of instructing the Delhi police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the wife who made false accusations, as well as her father. The incident was initially reported to the police station in Janak Puri in 2014.
The Additional Sessions Judge Aanchal, on April 29, ordered the Station House Officer (SHO) of Janak Puri police station to promptly register an FIR against the wife and her father. The court has requested an investigation report to be submitted within three months.
The court highlighted that while rape is a serious crime that must be dealt with severely, false allegations of rape also need to be addressed firmly. Such accusations cause great humiliation to the accused and can isolate them and their families from society, as stated in the court's judgment.
Delhi Court Acquits Man, Directs FIR Against Wife And Father:
The Court cleared Rajender Gupta, his daughter, and Vipul Gupta of multiple charges, such as cruelty, breach of trust, causing harm, and gang rape. The Court ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove their guilt.
The Court also noted that the prosecution's case relied heavily on a complaint filed by the wife's father, who is a practicing advocate, and later adopted by the wife herself. However, the evidence presented in court showed that these complaints contained entirely false and fabricated allegations.
Furthermore, the Court expressed disappointment that the wife and her father, who should have maintained a respectful relationship, had undermined this bond by making false accusations. It observed that the entire system had given significant weight to the wife's statements, but she and her father seemed to have taken advantage of the liberal interpretation and evaluation of evidence.
The judgment also recognised the unequal familiarity with legal provisions and laws between the wife and her family, given her father's legal background and her own law degree. The court felt compelled to support the accused, who had endured these allegations for over eight years.
This case revolves around an FIR filed against Vipul Gupta, his father Rajender Gupta, and his sister. Vipul Gupta's wife lodged the complaint, accusing them under sections 498A, 406, 323, 342, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. She also alleged gang rape by Rajender Gupta and his daughter.
Suggested Reading: False Rape Allegations: How It Can Ruin Lives And Affect Real Cases