In a disgracing turn of events, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde asked a government servant accused of repeatedly raping a minor girl whether he would be willing to marry the minor girl.
The Court then halted the appellant’s detention and gave him four weeks of temporary protection. In the meantime, a regular bail was requested from the petitioner.
When the matter was taken up today by the court, CJI Bobde asked counsel for the petitioner,
“Will you marry her?”
The advocate replied,
“I will take instructions.”
“You should have thought before seducing and raping the young girl. You knew you are a government servant,” was CJI Bobde’s response.
“We are not forcing you to marry. Let us know if you will. Otherwise you will say we are forcing you to marry her,” the CJI went on to observe.
When the matter was heard again shortly thereafter, counsel for the petitioner said,
“I wanted to marry her. But she refused. Now I cannot, as I am already married. The trial is going on, charges are yet to be framed.”
The Court went on to stay the arrest of the petitioner, granting him interim protection for four weeks. In the meanwhile, the petitioner was asked to apply for regular bail.
Also Read: Devi Vs Devil: The Fight Against Rape Continues
