The All India Democratic Women’s Association has expressed deep concern and displeasure at the bail order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in a case of sexual harassment.
The accused Vikram Bagari forcibly entered the house of his neighbor, the complainant and sexually harassed her. This incident occurred in Ujjain district. An FIR has been lodged against the accused.
While granting bail to the accused, the HC stipulated that he, along with his family should go to the house of the complainant with sweets and request her to tie a rakhi on his hand, gift her Rs 11,000 and give Rs 5000 to the son of the complainant to purchase new clothes.
It is extremely disturbing that there have been certain judgements by different courts in the country which have condoned the sexual violence inflicted on women by asking the accused to marry the victim. This reflects the patriarchal mindset that prevail in our courts and the non-serious approach towards issues of sexual violence against women.Sexual harassment is a crime and how can an accused be told to get a rakhi tied to his hand by the victim. What is the mechanism for ensuring the safety of the victim after she is forced to marry the rapist?
Such orders increase women’s vulnerability. AIDWA is of the clear opinion that such court orders encourage violence against women as it gives a signal that such crimes will be dealt with in a lighthearted manner and the offences will go unprosecuted and unpunished. AIDWA asks for the strict enforcement of the law against sexual violence against women and cancellation of this controversial bail order.
