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Punjab & Haryana HC sets 3 gang-rape convicts free on bail, slams the victim instead

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8 years ago

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Punjab & Haryana HC sets 3 gang-rape convicts free on bail, slams the victim instead

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The High Court felt “it would be a travesty of justice if they (the culprits) are not given a chance to redeem themselves”

Legal versions of what constitutes rape can vary wildly within the judicial system of India. Especially, the absence of “gut wrenching violence that normally precede or accompany such incidents” is good enough for perpetrators of the crime to get away with a minor rap on the wrists, while bringing to the victim of rape more shame, supposedly for their “promiscuous attitude and voyeuristic mind”.

These quotes aren’t social or editorial inputs. Those were the actual words used by a division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, comprising Justices Mahesh Grover and Raj Shekhar Attri, who in a recent verdict set three rapists, whose guilt had been proven beyond doubt, free to leave on bail.

That was not where the division bench stopped. It observed in its judgement that the heinous gang-rape culprits – three former law students – actually deserved a second chance. It observed: “It would be a travesty of justice if they are not given a chance to redeem themselves.”

That second chance, unfortunately, was not available to the victims, reports The Free Press Journal, quoting NDTV.

After hearing all arguments, judges Grover and Attri came to the strange conclusion that the victim’s account was questionable because of her supposed “promiscuous attitude and voyeuristic mind”. The judges suspended the sentence of the three youngsters and ordered them to pay Rs 10 lakh to the woman as compensation.

In 2015, the woman, a management student of the OP Jindal Global University in Sonepat, brought charges of rape against the three law students. She had complained that they had raped her several times for more than a year, while one of them had been blackmailing her using her nude photos. They had, thus, been able to force her to have sex with him and his two friends had joined in, resulting in a textbook case of gang-rape.

The sensible trial court had gone through the details of the case and found all three guilty. The verdict of the trial court judge was 20 years in prison on account of gang-rape, as well as for other criminal offences. The third man was sentenced to seven years in prison, a standard for rape.

That was when the three moved the high court, demanding a suspension of their sentences and the high court, strangely, agreed that a balance could well be struck between retribution and the sentences. The first logic used was that these were young men, with a future.  If there was any comment from the bench about the future of the young woman, the victim of this heinous crime, it has not been made available to the general public.

That was when the court, shockingly commented: “It would be a travesty of justice if they (the men) are not given a chance to redeem themselves.”

Such a pronouncement deserved an explanation and that too was shocking. The outstanding phrases within the judgement read as follows: “…the narrative does not throw up gut wrenching violence that normally precede or accompany such incidents”.  This, obviously, shows an existing predisposition of the judges towards a scenario of rape.

The other set of comments, through which the unfortunate woman has become a victim twice over, reads as follows: “… the entire crass sequence actually is reflective of a degenerative mind set of the youth breeding denigrating relationships mired in drugs, alcohol, casual sexual escapades and a promiscuous and voyeuristic world”.

The thin silver lining was in the court’s acceptance that the victim was threatened into submission and blackmail. Yet, while realising the extent and disgusting nature of the crime, the bench said that, after carefully examining her statement, it felt that all that represented “alternate conclusion of misadventure stemming from a promiscuous attitude and voyeuristic mind”. The construction of this part of the sentence is convoluted, but brings little joy to the victim of a gang-rape.

Thus came the bail order, in which the court observed, referring to the young generation that it is: “…unable to comprehend the worth of a relationship based on respect and understanding”.

So what will the rapists do as free, unencumbered young men? The court’s condition was that the three must undergo counselling at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for “correcting their behavioural aberrations” and to free them of their “voyeuristic tendencies”.

Of course, the court admits that it was the duty of the parents of the rapists to make them see better things and act better. After all, they are young, with impressionable and immature minds, one guesses.  Hence the court asked the Director AIIMS to submit a report. The bench also added that it will be the “duty of the parents” of the convicts to apprise the court on the progress. One can feel sorry for the parents, surely.

-India Legal Bureau

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India and Russia vow to walk together against terrorism, reaffirm strategic partnership

PM Modi and President Putin reaffirm India-Russia unity against terrorism, deepen energy and trade cooperation, and discuss peace efforts amid the Ukraine conflict.

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4 hours ago

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December 5, 2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday underlined that India and Russia “walk together in the fight against terrorism,” reinforcing a decades-old strategic partnership that remains steady amid global geopolitical churn. The leaders issued the joint statement following talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi, where they also announced steps to boost trade, economic cooperation, and energy collaboration.

India-Russia stand firm on counter-terror cooperation

PM Modi described President Putin as a “dear friend” and highlighted Moscow’s consistent support to India on counter-terror efforts. Russia had earlier strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, and reiterated solidarity with India’s fight against terrorism in all forms.

The joint remarks emphasized that the bilateral friendship, rooted in trust and mutual respect, has remained resilient for decades despite global challenges.

Focus on energy, trade and use of national currencies

A key highlight of the engagement was Russia reaffirming “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India. PM Modi expressed gratitude for Russia’s commitment, noting energy cooperation as a crucial pillar of the relationship. While he did not specifically mention oil purchases, given ongoing Western pressure, he emphasised cooperation in civil nuclear and clean energy.

The two countries also discussed expanding economic ties, including a possible free trade agreement. President Putin said bilateral trade was being targeted to reach USD 100 billion, and acknowledged progress toward using national currencies for payments — a remark expected to draw global attention.

Putin shares peace plan insights on Ukraine conflict

Putin briefed the Prime Minister on Russia’s perspective for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine war and appreciated India’s continued role as a “champion of peace.” PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent position on dialogue and diplomacy.

Agreements across jobs, health, shipping and minerals

Officials exchanged multiple agreements covering employment mobility, health, shipping, chemicals and cooperation in critical minerals — further broadening the strategic footprint of the partnership.

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RBI cuts repo rate to 5.25%, paving the way for cheaper loans

The RBI has cut the repo rate to 5.25%, aiming to support growth as inflation softens. The central bank also raised GDP projections and announced liquidity-boosting measures.

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9 hours ago

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December 5, 2025

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Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the key repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% on Thursday, signalling relief for borrowers as banks are expected to offer lower EMIs on home and vehicle loans. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the move after the conclusion of the three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

RBI prioritises growth as inflation eases

Malhotra said the decision was unanimous, with the central bank choosing to focus on supporting economic momentum despite concerns over a weak rupee. The repo rate was earlier cut in June from 6% to 5.5% amid easing inflation trends.

The RBI now projects Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 2% for FY2025-26, significantly softer than earlier estimates. For the first quarter of FY2026-27, inflation is expected at 3.9%, lower than the previous projection. The governor noted that rising precious metal prices may contribute to the headline CPI, but overall risks to inflation remain balanced.

GDP outlook strengthened

In a strong upward revision, the central bank increased the GDP forecast for the current financial year to 7.3%, previously estimated at 6.8%. Growth for the October–December quarter has also been revised to 6.7%.

The last quarter registered a six-quarter high expansion of 8.2%, reflecting resilient demand and steady credit flow.

“The growth-inflation balance continues to offer policy space,” Malhotra said, reiterating that the RBI’s stance remains neutral.

Other key decisions

Alongside the repo rate cut, the RBI announced adjustments to key policy corridors:

  • Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5%
  • Marginal Standing Facility (MSF): 5.5%

To improve liquidity and strengthen monetary transmission, the RBI will conduct forex swaps and purchase ₹1 lakh crore worth of government bonds through Open Market Operations (OMO).

RBI reviews a challenging year

Reflecting on 2025, Malhotra said the year delivered strong growth and moderate inflation even as global trade and geopolitical uncertainties persisted. He added that bank credit and retail lending remained healthy, providing support to the economy.

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India News

IndiGo flight chaos deepens as over 500 services cancelled, passengers stranded for hours

Over 500 IndiGo flights were cancelled nationwide, leaving passengers stranded without food, clarity or their luggage as airports struggled to manage the disruption.

Published

10 hours ago

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December 5, 2025

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IndiGo flight

India’s largest airline continued to face massive operational breakdowns, triggering frustration among travellers at major airports across the country. From piles of unattended suitcases to passengers waiting over 12 hours without food or clarity, the disruption stretched into its fourth consecutive day.

Long delays, no communication leave passengers anguished

Several travellers at Delhi airport described the situation as “mental torture”, as thousands of unclaimed suitcases lay scattered across the terminal. Many slept on the floor, while others expressed anger over the lack of communication from airline staff.

One flier said he had been waiting for over 12 hours without any explanation: “Every time they say one-hour or two-hour delays. We were going to a wedding but don’t even have our luggage.”

A passenger in Hyderabad recounted a similar ordeal, saying the flight was delayed indefinitely with no food, water, or updates from the airline. At the airport, some travellers blocked an Air India flight in protest over the lack of arrangements.

Goa and Chennai airports also witnessed tense moments. Videos from Goa showed fliers shouting at IndiGo staff as police attempted to calm the situation. At Chennai, CISF denied entry to IndiGo passengers due to heavy congestion.

Major metro airports impacted; cascading cancellations nationwide

Flight cancellations and delays were reported across multiple airports:

  • Over 200 flights were cancelled in Delhi
  • More than 100 each in Mumbai and Bengaluru
  • Around 90 in Hyderabad
  • Dozens more in Pune, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai and Bhopal

Pune airport stated that parking bay congestion worsened the situation, as several IndiGo aircraft remained grounded due to lack of crew. Other airlines continued operations without disruption.

Airport authorities said they had mobilised additional manpower for crowd control and passenger support.

IndiGo admits planning lapses, says more cancellations expected

The airline acknowledged a “misjudgment” in assessing crew requirements under revised night-duty norms, which it said created planning gaps. Winter weather and airport congestion further aggravated the crisis.

IndiGo informed the aviation ministry and DGCA that some regulatory changes—such as the shift in night-duty timings and a cap on night landings—have been rolled back temporarily to stabilise operations.

The airline warned that cancellations may continue for another two to three days, and from December 8, schedules will be trimmed to prevent further disruption.

In a message to employees, CEO Pieter Elbers said restoring punctuality would not be an “easy target”.

Airline issues apology amid nationwide frustration

In a late-night statement, IndiGo apologised to customers and industry partners, acknowledging the widespread inconvenience caused by the disruptions. The airline said all teams were working with authorities to bring operations back to normal.

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