Supreme Court Overrules HC: Defines Groping as Attempt to Rape

The Supreme Court of India has overturned an Allahabad High Court decision, affirming that actions such as breast grabbing and pyjama string pulling constitute an 'attempt to rape.' This decision reinstates charges under the POCSO Act against two accused in a controversial case involving a 14-year-old girl.

The Supreme Court has decisively overturned a controversial order by the Allahabad High Court, declaring that actions such as grabbing breasts and tugging pyjama strings constitute an 'attempt to rape,' rather than mere preparation.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria, criticized the High Court's judgment as 'patently erroneous.' The apex court's ruling reinstates the stringent charges of attempt to rape under the POCSO Act against two accused individuals.

This decision arose from a suo motu plea concerning a high-profile case involving a 14-year-old girl. The alleged crime involved groping and a failed attempt to drag the victim, prompting the top court to emphasize the importance of upholding the provisions of Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code. The matter remains under trial.

(With inputs from agencies.)