SC stays HC's order on examining horoscope of woman in rape case

NEW DELHI: An Allahabad high court order on studying the configuration of celestial bodies in a rape case clashed with the established position of law on Saturday with the Supreme Court suspending a judicial directive to the Lucknow University's astrology department to analyse a woman's horoscope to ascertain whether she is a mangalik or not.

- Utkarsh Anand

Mangalik is a person born under the influence of Mars, as per Hindu astrology. Such people are said to have a mangala dosha (defect) which is considered unfavourable for marriages. On May 23, the Allahabad HC passed the unusual order, asking the head of the astrology department of the Lucknow University to study the horoscope of a woman, who had alleged rape on a false promise to marry.