Today, 2nd May, the Supreme Court upheld the decision to keep the wife of a Delhi Government officer in custody. This decision comes in relation to a case involving the sexual assault of a minor, highlighting the court’s commitment to justice in such sensitive matters. The ruling reinforces the importance of thorough investigations and fair legal proceedings in cases of child abuse and exploitation. The decision is expected to have broader implications for similar cases moving forward.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court, On Thursday, denied bail to Seema Rani, the wife of Premoday Khakha, a suspended Delhi government officer facing charges of repeatedly raping a minor girl and impregnating her.
A bench comprising justices C T Ravikumar and S V N Bhatti upheld the Delhi High Court‘s decision to reject Rani’s bail plea.
Premoday Khakha stands accused of raping the minor girl multiple times between November 2020 and January 2021. He has been in judicial custody since his arrest in August. The victim is known to Khakha and is reported to be the daughter of an acquaintance.
Read Also: SC Questions Remission for Life Sentence in Minor Girls’ Gang-Rape Section 376DB IPC
Seema Rani also implicated in the case. Allegedly, she provided the girl with medication to terminate her pregnancy. Rani, too currently in judicial custody. The arrests of both individuals came after the survivor provided her testimony before a magistrate at a hospital.
The case filed under the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376(2)(f) (rape committed by a relative, guardian, teacher, or person in authority over the victim) and 509 (intentional actions to offend a woman’s modesty).
According to the police,
“IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 313 (causing miscarriage without woman’s consent), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) have been invoked in connection with the case.”
Law enforcement agencies swiftly initiated investigations into the matter, determined to ensure justice for the victim and hold the perpetrator accountable, regardless of their societal status or affiliations. Following thorough inquiries and gathering of evidence, the authorities took the decision to place the accused under custody pending further legal proceedings.
Moreover, the case reignited discussions surrounding the protection of minors and vulnerable members of society. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of children, ensuring that they are shielded from harm and exploitation.