Court Acquits Man in Forced Marriage Case: A Verdict of Insufficient Evidence

A Delhi court has acquitted Shivraj Singh Sudama in a case where he was accused of kidnapping and forcibly marrying a 16-year-old girl. The court found that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations, as the victim stated she married willingly and was not enticed or induced.

In a significant legal development, a Delhi court has acquitted Shivraj Singh Sudama, who faced allegations of kidnapping and forcibly marrying a 16-year-old girl. The court's decision, based on an absence of evidence, challenges the prosecution's assertions.

Presiding over the case, Additional Sessions Judge Lovleen outlined the failure of the prosecution to establish that Sudama enticed the victim. The girl's own testimony revealed she had willingly married the accused and left her home with his permission, effectively undermining the charges.

The court noted deficiencies in proving the victim's alleged minor status and the lack of evidence supporting the claim of coercion into marriage. Consequently, Sudama was acquitted, signaling a pivotal verdict on October 17, as accusations under IPC Sections 363 and 366 fell apart.

(With inputs from agencies.)