Background
The Kerala High Court has ruled that complaints of sexual assault made by women should not be treated as absolute truth without proper scrutiny. The court emphasized the need for a fair and balanced approach, stating that the accused’s version must also be examined before arriving at a conclusion.
Court’s Rationale
- Principle of Natural Justice
- The court stressed that every accused has the right to a fair trial, and allegations alone cannot be the sole basis for conviction.
- It reiterated that legal proceedings must ensure impartiality and consider both sides of the story.
- Growing Concerns Over False Allegations
- The judgment acknowledged instances where false complaints have been misused as a tool for personal or legal advantages.
- The court cautioned against automatically presuming guilt, stating that such an approach undermines the foundation of justice.
- Duty of Courts to Ensure Fair Investigation
- The High Court underscored the responsibility of trial courts to evaluate evidence objectively.
- It directed that corroborative material and the accused’s defense must be given due weight during legal proceedings.
Existing Measures
- Presumption of Innocence: Until proven guilty, every accused is entitled to a fair trial under Indian criminal law.
- False Complaint Provisions: The Indian Penal Code provides for legal consequences against false accusations under Sections 182 and 211.
- Judicial Precedents: Courts have previously ruled that unsupported allegations must be scrutinized before conviction.
Conclusion
The Kerala High Court’s decision reinforces the need for a balanced approach in sexual assault cases. It highlights that while women’s safety remains a priority, fairness in judicial proceedings is essential to prevent misuse of the law.