Quashing FIR in minor's rape risks victim's safety: HC

The Delhi high court has refused to quash a rape case involving a minor despite the victim's voluntary request, warning that permitting such withdrawals under the pretext of social pressures would set a dangerous precedent and embolden perpetrators to exploit victims' vulnerabilities to escape accountability.

- Shruti Kakkar

NEW DELHI:

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, in a strongly worded ruling, said that courts must not be seen as endorsing the idea that victims should withdraw genuine complaints to maintain social acceptability or preserve personal relationships, such as marriage prospects.

"To quash the present FIR, given the facts, the nature of allegations, and the ground on which quashing is sought, would gravely compromise the protected interests of society and pose a serious risk to the dignity and safety of sexual assault survivors," the court said in its May 26 ruling, which was released later.