Men Deserve Equal Protection From Violence: Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Woman Accused of Attacking Husband
The Delhi High Court recently emphasized that men, like women, are also entitled to legal protection against physical and mental abuse in marital relationships. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that the assumption that only women face cruelty in marriages does not always align with reality.
Court’s Key Observations
While hearing an anticipatory bail plea from a woman accused of pouring boiling water mixed with chili powder on her husband, the Court stressed the need for gender-neutral application of the law. The accused claimed leniency based on her gender, but the Court rejected the argument, calling it biased.
Justice Sharma stated, “The idea that only women face cruelty in marriages, without exception, contradicts the realities of many cases. Just as women deserve protection, men are also entitled to the same safeguards under the law.”
Equal Treatment Under Law
The Court highlighted that creating special leniency for women undermines justice. It stated that crimes causing life-threatening injuries must be addressed firmly, irrespective of the offender’s gender. The empowerment of one gender cannot come at the cost of fairness toward another.
Case Background
The husband alleged that his wife had previously married several men and filed false rape cases against them. A few days before the incident, he had filed a police complaint, claiming he married her under the threat of a false rape accusation. On January 1, the wife allegedly poured hot water on him while he was asleep, causing severe burns to his eyes, chest, and neck. She then locked the room from outside, left their three-month-old daughter behind, and fled with his phone to prevent him from seeking help.
Court’s Decision
The woman argued that an altercation occurred because her husband spoke to other women. However, the Court noted that her explanation did not justify the injuries inflicted or her subsequent actions.
Rejecting her plea for bail, the Court remarked, “Had the roles been reversed, there would have been calls for severe punishment. Justice would be compromised if leniency is granted solely based on gender, despite the gravity of the offense.”
The Court also dismissed her argument for bail on the grounds of caring for her child, stating that she abandoned the infant in the locked room with her injured husband.
The bail plea was denied, with the Court citing the seriousness of the injuries, the accused’s evasion of investigation, and the need to recover the victim’s phone and confront her with evidence.
Case Reference: Jyoti Alias Kittu Vs. The State Govt. of NCT of Delhi
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