Rutu Tejaskumar Patel, B.B.A. LL.B., SVKM’s NMIMS School of Law, Navi Mumbai
ABSTRACT
A historic Indian court case involving rape, the Mathura case aroused indignation and harsh criticism for the way rape cases are handled and the lack of compassion shown for the victims. A little tribal girl named Mathura was engaged in the crime. She said that in a nearby Maharashtra police station in 1972, she was sexually assaulted by two police officials.
The two police officers involved were found not guilty by the sessions court when the case went to trial. The court publicly declared that it was pointless to hold Mathura accountable for the rape because she was accustomed to having sexual intercourse. The Bombay High Court maintained this ridiculous decision that places the burden of proof on the injured party.
A group of amateurs and women's rights advocates petitioned the Supreme Court on many occasions to overturn the acquittals. In a historic ruling in 1979, the Supreme Court recognized the grave injustice and insensitivity done to Mathura. However, technological problems prevented it from overturning the acquittals.
Despite the fact that Mathura was never able to receive justice, her case was pivotal in Indian history because it launched a crusade against sexual assault. Rape laws were subsequently modified to make them more victim-friendly. The outrage forced society to confront its outmoded views and the urgent need to change the judicial system to more effectively address crimes against women.
The challenging Mathura case exposed the challenging path that Indian rape victims had to go to receive justice. It sparked a nationwide movement to make accountability for sexual misdeeds a top priority. Even decades after the incident, victims of rape are still searching for justice.
Keywords: Custodial Rape, Burden of proof, Judicial reform, Gender reform and Police accountability”
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