Metropolitan Magistrate Ekta Gauba has charged a Sub-Inspector posted in the office of DCP (West) with outrgaing the modesty of a woman ASI in 2010, holding that a prima facie case is made against out against him.
"From the allegations, offence under section 509 IPC (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) is prima facie made out as accused has shown obscene film to the complainant.
"In view of the fact that he has used criminal force with intention to outrage the modesty of the complainant by touching indecently the body of the complainant as well as kissing her, the offence under section 354 IPC (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) is prima facie made out," the MM said.
The court rejected the accused's contention that he had been implicated in the case by the complainant as he has complained against her for not reporting on duty on time.
"Sexual harassment of working women amounts to violation of rights of gender equality and right to life and liberty and also as a logical consequence amounts to violation of right to practice any profession, occupation or trade," the court said relying on a Supreme Court judgement.