Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has dismissed a rape FIR, observing major uncertainties in the history of the complainant, and has directed the police to investigate her background. In an order passed by Justice Ranjitsinha Bhonsale on 20th February, which was released on June 19, the court observed that the litigant, a 34-year-old married woman, had filed ten cases of rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, and related charges against various men in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The court has revoked the rape First Information Report (FIR) and ordered the Maharashtra Director General of Police to circulate the complainant’s details to all police stations in the state. The court noted that the woman follows a pattern of engaging in consensual relationships, followed by the filing of rape cases and allegations of fraudulently obtained consent. Justice Ranjitsinha Bhonsale observed that all ten FIRs followed a similar pattern, albeit against different individuals. Justice Bhonsale stated that an examination of all ten FIRs revealed similar grounds and allegations against different individuals.
“The complainant is a 34-year-old working woman who has travelled extensively. She is a married woman and had a relationship with the Petitioner and similarly with other men, as alleged in the FIRs,” the court observed in its order. The court further found that the current FIR, lodged in 2019 against Manoj Dhanavade of Kalwa, Thane, contained content similar to her other complaints. The judge quashed the complaint, reporting that Manoj and the woman were involved in a consensual relationship. Furthermore, the court directed police officials to conduct preliminary inquiries before registering a crime initiated by the woman. “The Police Authorities, while acting in accordance with the law, must be cautious in the case of any complaint received from her seeking registration of a crime against any other individual,” the order stated.
These recent cases leave us with mind-boggling questions about the truthful nature of victimhood. Whether it be the unveiling of the Ketan Agarwal case or such seemingly false accusations, there is a demand for foundational scrutiny, observing the intent and the complexion of such complaints.