NEW DELHI: In an unusal exchange of words, the Chief Justice of India SA Bobde asked a rape accused who repeatedly raped a minor girl, if he would marry the victim.
According to reports, the top court was hearing the bail request of one Mohit Subhash Chavan, a technician with the Maharashtra State Electric Production Company who was accused of raping a schoolgirl and now faces charges under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) law.
"If you want to marry we can help you. If not, you lose your job and go to jail. You seduced the girl, raped her," Chief Justice of India SA Bobde told the petitioner's lawyer, who argued that his client could lose his job.
The petitioner told the court his mother had offered marriage when the girl went to the police. But she had reportedly refused. Then a document was drawn up to say marriage would take place once the girl turned 18. When she did, however, the man refused to marry her. That is when a rape complaint was filed against him, according to a petition filed by Chavan.
In a question that has been commented upon on social media, the Chief Justice asked the rape accused man- "Will you marry her?"
Chavan's lawyer replied- "Will take instructions." Chief Justice said- "You should have thought before seducing and raping the young girl. You knew you are a government servant."
The Chief Justice said- "We are not forcing you to marry. Let us know if you will. Otherwise, you will say we are forcing you to marry her."
The accused's lawyer said he would reply after consulting with his client. Later, he told the Supreme Court: "Initially I wanted to marry her. But she refused. Now I cannot as I am already married."
The Supreme Court further said that he would not be arrested for four weeks and he could apply for regular bail.