The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently comprising of a bench of Justice Sanjay Dwivedi directed the S.P., District Sehore to conduct a proper enquiry against a complainant, who allegedly filed a false rape case.(Gagan Agrawal v. State Of Madhya Prades)
Facts of the case
The present case was the first application filed under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for grant of anticipatory bail. The applicant was apprehending his arrest registered at Police Station, for the offence punishable under Sections 376, 365 and 323/34 of the Indian Penal Code.
Contentions of the parties
Learned counsel for the applicant submitted that initially a complaint was made by the complainant against the applicant alleging therein that forcefully the applicant committed rape with her. He further submitted that thereafter in the complainant's statement recorded under Sections 164 so also 161 of the CrPC, she reiterated the allegation as has been made in the FIR. He submitted that although before the trial Court, at the time of hearing the applicant's anticipatory bail, she had given an affidavit pleaded no objection therein saying that Gagan Agrawal (present applicant) had not committed any rape upon her, but only at the instance of police, she made allegation of committing rape against the applicant and as such, she had stated that if bail is granted to the applicant, then she would have no objection. Therefore, he submitted that in view of the aforesaid, it was clear that the applicant is innocent and has falsely been implicated in the alleged crime and as such, he is entitled to get the protection of anticipatory bail.
On the other hand, learned Panel Lawyer submitted that it is nothing, but misuse of law by the complainant because in the FIR and also in the statement recorded under Sections 164 and 161 of the CrPC, she had very categorically made allegation of forceful rape against the applicant, but later on, she took a somersault stating before the trial Court that a false complaint was made against the applicant.
Courts observation and judgment
The Court after hearing both the sides stated, “Considering the arguments advanced by learned counsel for the parties and on perusal of available documents, I am inclined to enlarge the applicant on anticipatory bail. Therefore, without commenting anything on the merits of the case, this application is allowed.”
The court further stated, “However, to teach a lesson to the persons like the complainant who are making mockery of law by misusing the provisions of law, the Superintendent of Police, Sehore, is directed to make a proper enquiry in the matter and if it is found that the complainant had made false allegation against the applicant, then offence be registered against her in accordance with law for making a false complaint or misusing the provisions of law. It is further made clear that if any non-bailable offence is made out against the complainant for making a false complaint, then the police would be free to proceed further in accordance with law. Needless to say that the Superintendent of Police, Sehore, shall submit a report of such enquiry before this Court within the period of 15 days from today.”
Read Judgment @Latestlaws.com
Picture Source :
