Supreme Court Stays Allahabad High Court’s Controversial Ruling on Sexual Assault

New Delhi, March 26: The Supreme Court of India has stayed a controversial ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which stated that grabbing a woman’s breasts without removing her clothes does not constitute rape. The apex court criticized the decision, calling it “insensitive” and lacking in legal justification.

The Allahabad High Court’s verdict had sparked widespread outrage, with legal experts and activists arguing that such interpretations weaken the fight against sexual crimes. The Supreme Court, while staying the order, emphasized the importance of a survivor-centric approach in cases of sexual violence.

The bench noted that a narrow reading of laws related to sexual assault could set a dangerous precedent and undermine the objectives of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant laws. The matter will now be re-evaluated in further hearings.

The stay order has been welcomed by legal experts and women’s rights activists, who had expressed concerns over the impact of the Allahabad High Court’s ruling. Many have called for judicial sensitivity in handling cases related to crimes against women.

The Supreme Court’s intervention is expected to clarify the legal interpretation of such offenses and reinforce the principles of justice and protection for survivors.