Madras High Court acquits man in 2018 molestation case, ruling that pulling a woman’s hand without criminal intent does not constitute an offence under Section 354 IPC. Clear evidence is required.
The Supreme Court ruled that hostile witnesses’ testimony should not be entirely dismissed. The Court emphasized that even if a witness turns hostile, the prosecution can still use portions of their testimony that are supportive of the case. This ensures that relevant evidence is not disregarded simply due to a witness’s change in stance. The decision highlights the importance of carefully evaluating witness statements for their value in a trial.
Boby Chemmanur, a businessman, was arrested on January 8, 2025, after actress Honey Rose accused him of sexual harassment during a jewellery event. The Kerala High Court granted him bail, subject to strict conditions, emphasizing the need for caution in societal comments about body image. Chemmanur denied the charges, claiming they were baseless.
The Supreme Court of India upheld the conviction in a rape and murder case from Kerala, emphasizing the need for rigorous assessment of circumstantial evidence. The accused, linked through forensic evidence, received a death sentence and additional imprisonment. The Court established clear guidelines for evaluating circumstantial evidence and dismissed appeals regarding investigation flaws.
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court acquitted two boys of stalking a minor girl, stating that a single instance of following does not constitute stalking under the IPC and POCSO Act. However, one boy was upheld on charges of sexual assault based on credible evidence, while the other faced reduced sentencing.