Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, on Friday, strongly criticized the recent ruling of the Allahabad High Court, which stated that actions such as grabbing a woman’s breasts or pulling the string of her pajama do not qualify as rape or an attempt to rape. Instead, the court categorized such acts under the lesser charge of aggravated sexual assault.
Speaking to reporters outside the Lok Sabha, Devi firmly expressed her disapproval of the judgment, emphasizing that she found it completely unacceptable. She urged the Supreme Court to take immediate cognizance of the matter and intervene in the ruling.
“I am completely against this decision, and the Supreme Court should take serious note of it. Such a ruling has no place in a civilized society,” the minister said in a statement to PTI Videos.
Devi further highlighted her concern regarding the broader implications of this judgment, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent and send a misleading message to society. She pointed out that such a verdict might downplay the severity of sexual violence and embolden perpetrators, leading to an increase in crimes against women and children.
“Somewhere, this will hurt society, and we will discuss this matter further,” she added, indicating that the government may deliberate on possible actions in response to the ruling.
The case that led to this controversial judgment involved a horrifying attack on an 11-year-old girl in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, in 2021. According to reports, the minor was walking with her mother when two men, identified as Pawan and Akash, suddenly approached her and launched an assault. The accused allegedly grabbed the child’s breasts, forcefully pulled the string of her pajama, and attempted to drag her under a culvert. The ordeal could have escalated further, but the girl’s screams drew the attention of passersby, forcing the perpetrators to flee the scene.
The ruling has sparked outrage among activists, legal experts, and the general public, many of whom believe that it undermines the seriousness of sexual violence. Critics argue that such judgments weaken the legal protection available to survivors, particularly minors, and could potentially discourage victims from seeking justice.
With increasing public pressure, there are growing calls for the Supreme Court to review the Allahabad High Court’s verdict and ensure that justice is served in a manner that upholds the dignity and safety of women and children. Many are hopeful that the apex court will take strict action and rectify what they perceive as a deeply flawed interpretation of the law.
The case remains a matter of national concern, and further developments are expected as legal and governmental discussions continue on the issue.
