Allahabad High Court's Ruling on Sexual Assault Case Draws Nationwide Criticism

The court's decision to downgrade charges in a case involving an 11-year-old girl has led to widespread calls for Supreme Court intervention and judicial reform.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that grabbing breasts and breaking a pyjama string do not constitute an attempt to rape, categorizing the act as aggravated sexual assault instead.
The accused, Pawan and Akash, will now face charges under Section 354-B of the IPC and Sections 9/10 of the Pocso Act, rather than Section 376 (rape).
Union Minister Annapurna Devi and other political leaders have condemned the ruling, urging the Supreme Court to intervene and reconsider the decision.
Legal experts and activists argue the ruling undermines public confidence in the judiciary and trivializes sexual violence, particularly against children.
The case has intensified calls for judicial reforms, including sensitization training for judges, and raised concerns about the judiciary's handling of sexual violence cases.