THE BOMBAY HC TOOK A STRONG STAND ON THE ACT OF DONATION OF A GIRL CHILD BY A FATHER  

The Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court took a strong stand on the act of a father "donating" his daughter to a baba. Justice Vibha Kankanwadi was hearing a bail application filed by two applicants who had been accused of raping a 17-year-old. 

The two applicants, Shankeshwar alias Shambhu Dhakne and Sopan Dhakne, were accused of sexually assaulting a minor who lived with her father in the temple premises where a Baba lived with his disciples.

The Court was informed that the girl's father executed a 'Danpatra' with Baba, and the deed mentioned that the kanyadan was done in the presence of God. It was alleged that the Baba and his disciples consumed narcotic substances and involved the village youth in such activities. It was further informed that the village held a Gram Sabha where it was decided to remove the Baba and his disciples along with the victim from the premises. 

Meanwhile, the Court was also informed that after the death of the mother of the minor, her father donated her to the Baba. No proper adoption deed had been executed. 

The two applicants submitted that the girl registered the case against them under the influence of the 'Baba.' The Court also noted that since the charge-sheet is filed, the investigation may have been completed and therefore granted bail.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal