SC upholds acquittal of ‘Peepli Live’ director Mohammad Farooqui in rape case

Mahmood Farooqui. A file photo.

The Supreme Court on Friday summarily dismissed an appeal against the acquittal of the director of Peepli Live, Mahmood Farooqui, in a rape case.

A Bench of Justices S.A. Bobde and L. Nageswara Rao refused to entertain the appeal filed by the complainant, a U.S.-based researcher, against a September 25, 2017 decision of the Delhi High Court to acquit Mr. Farooqui on benefit of doubt. Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the victim, argued that dismissal of this appeal would have major implications in rape law. The Bench orally remarked that the HC order was “well-reasoned”.

SC refers to victim’s relation with Farooqui

A Supreme Court Bench of Justices S.A. Bobde and L. Nageswara Rao on Friday rejected a plea against the September 2017 acquittal by the Delhi High Court of the director of

Peepli Live Mahmood Farooqui on charges of rape.

“Such cases are hard cases to be decided in criminal law. We think it does not require our interference,” Justice S.A. Bobde observed.

The High Court judgment had referred to past instances where the relationship between Mr. Farooqui and the victim, a U.S.-based researcher, extended beyond “friendship”. But the court said it was not clear whether Mr. Farooqui had any intention to rape her.

Ms. Vrinda Grover, appearing for the complainant, argued that the victim herself had not denied having relationship with Mr. Farooqui. “But the case has to be tested on the facts of that particular incident. They were friends, she trusted him and was, therefore, shocked when it (rape) happened,” Ms. Grover submitted.

“How many times did she meet him prior to this incident? How many times did they have drinks together? How many times did she or he make drinks?” the court asked. The complainant had stated that the alleged rape had to do more with his physical power than his mental condition.