It Is Now Becoming A Trend To Register FIRs Alleging Sexual Harassment Cases To Force a Party To Withdraw Complaint Or To Arm Twist A Party: Delhi HC

Ruling that time has come to initiate action against persons who file frivolous complaints under Sections 354, 354A, 354B, 354C, 354D IPC etc. only for an ulterior purpose, the Delhi High Court recently imposed a cost of Rs.30,000 on the petitioners with a warning not to file false and frivolous cases. The Bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad sternly remarked that it is now becoming a trend to register FIRs alleging offences under Sections 354, 354A, 354B, 354C, 354D IPC either to force a party from withdrawing a complaint instituted against them or to arm-twist a party. It may be noted that S. 354 of IPC deals with the offence of Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty, S. 354-A relates to the offence of Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment, S. 354B is related to the offence of Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe, S. 354C deals with the offence of Voyeurism and S. 354D deals with Stalking.