The Bombay High Court ruled that the parents of the deceased accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case should not be punished for their son’s actions. The court urged the Maharashtra government to help them find shelter and jobs. Emphasizing their innocence, the judges highlighted the importance of providing support to the displaced couple, ensuring their dignity and livelihood.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday emphasized that the parents of the deceased accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case should not be punished or ostracized for the alleged actions of their son. The court urged the Maharashtra government to explore ways to provide shelter and employment for the displaced couple.
A division bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan spoke directly with the parents of the accused, who was killed in a police encounter in September. The accused had been arrested in August for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls in a school toilet in Badlapur, Thane district, where he worked as an attendant.
The parents revealed their struggles since their son’s arrest, stating,
“We have been thrown out of our house. We are living at the Kalyan railway station. We are also not able to find any jobs. We have no money.”
Expressing concern, the court remarked,
“They (parents) are not the accused. It is not their fault. Why should they suffer? They should not be punished for something their son is accused of doing.”
The bench directed public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar to coordinate with the Maharashtra government and explore possible support measures, including the involvement of NGOs. The judges proposed that the parents could be rehabilitated with access to shelter and employment, stressing,
“What can be done? Can they not be rehabilitated somewhere with the help of their government? Some NGO can help find them a job or shelter. They need to be able to survive and have a livelihood.”
The court further highlighted that the parents should not face undue public or governmental backlash. It scheduled the matter for further hearing on January 13, 2025.
The Badlapur case, which surfaced after reports of sexual abuse within a school, prompted the court to take suo moto cognizance. It directed the Maharashtra government to form a committee of experts to review and enhance safety measures for children in schools and educational institutions.
The committee’s findings are expected to be submitted in January 2025.
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