The Delhi High Court has denied anticipatory bail to a man accused of sexual and physical assault, noting the nature and gravity of the allegations, including alleged blackmail through obscene photographs and videos.
Justice Madhu Jain dismissed the anticipatory bail application arising from an FIR registered at C.R. Park under Section 376 of the IPC and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The accused claimed that the relationship with the complainant had been consensual for around two years and that the FIR was lodged after the relationship broke down. The State, however, pointed to allegations of sexual and physical assault as well as blackmail through obscene photographs and videos. The complainant’s counsel also alleged intimidation involving the accused’s friends and her mother.
The Court noted that the complainant had alleged physical assault during a stay in Himachal Pradesh and that other witnesses had corroborated that aspect of the allegations. Although the accused’s mobile phone and laptop had been seized, the FSL report was still awaited.
Considering the allegations of sexual and physical assault, alleged blackmail and the pending forensic examination, the Court held that the case was not one warranting the discretionary relief of anticipatory bail and dismissed the application.
