“How do I start life at 43?” This heart-wrenching question comes from Vishnu Tiwari, a man who spent two decades in prison after being wrongfully convicted of rape and under the SC/ST Act. The Allahabad High Court acquitted him in 2021, declaring the charges baseless.
In 2001, at just 23, Tiwari was arrested following allegations of rape and assault by a woman and her family. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003 by a trial court in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh. Tiwari’s appeal, filed in 2005, was neglected as a “defective matter” for 16 years. It wasn’t until March 2021 that the High Court overturned the conviction, citing insufficient medical evidence and ulterior motives behind the complaint.
The Lost Years
For 20 years, Vishnu Tiwari remained cut off from the outside world. He missed the funerals of his parents and two brothers. His family dwindled; his remaining sibling has since become a monk.
“I have no education, no skills, and no family to lean on. How can I rebuild my life at this age?” Tiwari lamented. He recalls how prison life broke him. “Every day felt like dying a little more,” he said, adding that dreams of divine intervention were his only solace.
The Case and Acquittal
The High Court highlighted glaring inconsistencies in the case:
- Medical evidence showed no signs of forcible intercourse.
- The complainant, a pregnant woman, displayed no injuries consistent with the allegations.
- A motive was evident—a dispute over land and animals was at the root of the complaint.
The judgment criticized the systemic failure that allowed Tiwari’s appeal to languish for 16 years.
Struggles After Release
Tiwari’s return to his village in Lalitpur revealed a changed world. “When I was jailed, there were only STD booths. Now everyone has mobile phones,” he said, bewildered by the transformation. Despite his release, he faces insurmountable challenges, including finding work and adjusting to a society he barely recognizes.
Call for Justice and Rehabilitation
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken notice of the case, issuing directives to Uttar Pradesh authorities for a detailed report. It questioned why Section 433 CrPC, which allows the government to commute sentences, wasn’t applied. The NHRC has also demanded accountability from public servants involved and measures for Tiwari’s rehabilitation.
A Life to Rebuild
For Tiwari, the path ahead remains uncertain. “Half my life is gone. I don’t know what to look forward to,” he said. His story is a sobering reminder of the cost of systemic failures and the urgent need for reforms in the judicial process.
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