Bombay High Court Warns Against Rising Eve Teasing Menace, Alters Conviction

The Bombay High Court has issued a stern warning against the growing issue of eve teasing, emphasizing its potential to escalate into more serious crimes. In a recent case, the Court dealt with the appeals of three men convicted for killing a man who intervened to stop eve-teasing in his neighborhood.

Justice Ajay Gadkari and Justice Shyam Chandak highlighted the gravity of eve-teasing incidents, cautioning that they often serve as triggers for more severe offenses, including murder.

"There is a need to keep under control such instances of teasing young girls, which are common and often become a reason for another offense and sometimes too serious one," the Court remarked.

The case revolved around an incident where the appellants fatally assaulted a man who intervened to prevent eve-teasing by one of them. Despite the victim's survival for several days after the assault, the Court observed that the injuries sustained ultimately led to his demise.

Examining the circumstances of the case, the Court concluded that while the assault resulted in the victim's death, it lacked premeditation or intentional murder. Instead, it characterized the offense as culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

"We find it difficult to conclude that the injury to the head was caused intentionally. However, looking at the external and internal nature of the head injury coupled with the fracture caused to the right leg of the deceased, it is safe to conclude that the injury to the head was inflicted with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death," the bench explained.

Consequently, the Court modified the appellants' conviction from murder under Section 302 to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 Part II. Their sentence was reduced to rigorous imprisonment for ten years along with a fine of ₹25,000 each.

The ruling serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the menace of eve-teasing and its potential repercussions. It underscores the responsibility of society and law enforcement agencies to curb such behavior to prevent tragic outcomes and uphold public safety.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News writer, MIT ADT University