Supreme Court quashes case: To establish mens rea, something more than vague statements must be produced under Section 354 IPC

The court while considering the facts and circumstances of the case observed and has set aside the impugned judgment of the High Court and has quashed the criminal proceedings initiated against the appellant.

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The Supreme Court in the case Naresh Aneja @ Naresh Kumar Aneja Versus. State Of Uttar Pradesh And Anr. observed that section 354 of Indian Penal Code, IPC (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) to apply, criminal force must be used.

The court stated that such application of force must be coupled with intention to outrage a woman's modesty.

The bench comprising of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice C.T. Ravikumar was hearing the present matter.

The bench stated that in order to establish mens rea something better than vague statements must be produced before the court. Thus, the mere bald assertions of mental and physical discomfort would not suffice.

Facts of the Case:

The appellant and respondent no. 2 were directors in a joint concern namely M/s LAJ-IDS Exports Pvt. Ltd.

The Respondent No. 2 filed a complaint against the appellant of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.

Subsequently, a complaint was registered under Section 354 and Section 506 (Punishment for Criminal Intimidation) under Indian Penal Code, IPC.