NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has awarded a 10-year jail term to a woman for abetting the rape of a girl by her minor brother in 2013, noting that she lured the survivor, was present during the act, and threatened her into silence.
Justice Chandrasekharan Sudha took into account the convict’s criminal record, including a murder case, observing that the present case formed part of a “continuing pattern of criminal behaviour rather than an isolated incident”, with no sign of reformation.
The court found that the convict conspired with her brother and lured the survivor to a secluded spot in Najafgarh on the false promise of employment, where the offence was committed. It said she had “betrayed” the trust placed in her.
The court held that a soft approach in a case “where the convict continues to be involved in serious criminal activities would be wholly misplaced”.
In its March 25 order, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 70,000, directing that Rs 50,000 be paid to the survivor as compensation.
The court directed the Delhi State Legal Services Authority to award additional compensation, noting that the survivor had endured significant emotional, mental, and physical trauma while pursuing justice for over a decade. The court held that while the brother—a child in conflict with the law—committed the rape, the evidence established that the convict “intentionally aided and facilitated the commission of the offence”.
The High Court noted that she “induced the survivor through deceit, brought her to a secluded place, remained present during the assault, prevented resistance, and guarded the area”.
No leniency for serial criminal
The High Court refused to adopt a soft approach towards the convict, as it was a case “where the convict continues to be involved in serious criminal activities”. The court ordered extra compensation for the victim because she suffered trauma in quest for justice.