New Delhi, May 13: The Delhi High Court has granted bail to a married gym trainer accused of raping and blackmailing a woman advocate, observing that “morality has to be kept separate from the offence” while dealing with matters concerning personal liberty.
According to the prosecution, the complainant had met the accused at a gym in Delhi, following which the two developed a friendship. The woman alleged that the accused offered her an intoxicating drink, after which she became unconscious and was taken to a hotel in Ghaziabad where he allegedly raped her and clicked objectionable photographs without her consent.
The complainant further alleged that the accused later used the photographs to blackmail her, repeatedly sexually assaulted her, and extorted around ₹65,000 by threatening to circulate the images on social media platforms.
During the hearing, the accused denied the allegations and claimed that the relationship between the two was consensual. The defence counsel submitted photographs and video clips before the court, asserting that they reflected a consensual romantic relationship and that the complaint was filed after the relationship deteriorated.
Justice Girish Kathpalia, while hearing the matter, observed that the complainant was an adult and a practising advocate. The court also noted that no objectionable photographs or videos were recovered from the accused’s mobile phone during the investigation.
The High Court said the material placed on record prima facie indicated a consensual relationship between the parties. Rejecting the prosecution’s submissions regarding the accused being married and involved in an extra-marital affair, the court observed that issues of morality should be kept separate from the alleged criminal offence while deciding bail applications.
The court also declined to consider arguments concerning religious differences between the parties while granting relief to the accused.(KNC)
