Chhattisgarh High Court Upholds Rape Conviction, Deems It 'Affront to Womanhood'
In a significant ruling, the Chhattisgarh High Court has refused to overturn a man's conviction for rape, describing the offence as a brutal invasion of a woman's fundamental rights and an affront to womanhood itself. The court upheld the man's sentence under Sections 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), 323 (causing hurt), and 342 (wrongful confinement) of the Indian Penal Code.
Court's Strong Observations on Rape as a Heinous Crime
Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas, while dismissing the man's appeal, made poignant remarks highlighting the severe impact of rape. Rape is one of the gravest and most heinous offences against a woman. It is an affront to womanhood itself, striking at the core of her dignity, modesty, and honour, the court stated. It further emphasized that such acts inflict deep and lasting trauma, shattering a woman's sense of self, autonomy, and confidence.
The court underscored that rape constitutes a violation of the fundamental right to life with dignity, bodily privacy, and personal liberty as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. This observation reinforces the judiciary's commitment to protecting women's rights and ensuring justice in cases of sexual violence.
Background of the Case and Legal Arguments
The case originated from allegations that the accused sexually assaulted a woman while she was returning home. The sessions court had previously convicted the man on rape charges, leading him to challenge the decision in the high court.
During the appeal, the appellant's counsel argued that the survivor was a consenting party and that there was no evidence of resistance or alarm. They also pointed to contradictions in her testimony. In contrast, the state's counsel contended that the survivor's detailed account during examination-in-chief remained unchallenged in cross-examination and was supported by forensic evidence from the FSL report.
Court's Findings and Evidence Analysis
The high court meticulously reviewed the evidence, noting key points that supported the conviction:
- The victim's statement described the rape incident, corroborated by the seizure of an axe as evidence.
- Medical reports documented injuries on her right knee, back of the leg, and right elbow, indicating lack of free consent.
- The FSL report confirmed the presence of human sperm, further strengthening the prosecution's case.
The court reiterated established legal principles, stating that a conviction can be based solely on the victim's testimony if it is credible. It found that the trial court had complied with Section 313 of the CrPC by providing the accused ample opportunity to explain. After considering all evidence, the high court concluded that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, with no grounds for interference due to irregularity or illegality.
This ruling serves as a stern reminder of the judiciary's role in upholding justice for survivors of sexual violence and protecting women's constitutional rights in India.
