In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court has reversed the anticipatory bail granted to Jignesh Mehta, a prominent stock trader and businessman based in Mumbai, who was accused of raping a model and actress. The apex court’s decision came after the survivor approached them, challenging the Bombay High Court’s earlier order, which had allowed the accused to secure pre- arrest bail.
According to the allegations, Jignesh Mehta lured the victim under the pretence of offering her a lucrative modelling assignment and invited her to a hotel room in Andheri. It was shortly after the survivor’s distress call to Mumbai’s Police Control Room (PCR) that Mehta was arrested.
Initially, the Dindoshi Sessions Court denied his bail plea, but Mehta sought relief from the Bombay High Court through an anticipatory bail application. Surprisingly, the high court granted him bail against a surety bond of Rs 25,000, with the additional requirement of reporting to the police station thrice a week for three hours each time.
Appalled by the lack of a fair hearing in the Bombay HC despite filing an intervention application, the survivor appealed to the Supreme Court. The counsel representing the complainant emphasized the disregard she faced and the negligence of investigating officers during the trial.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of granting a fair chance to the survivor to be heard and oppose Mehta’s anticipatory bail plea, which the Bombay High Court had overlooked. The court also took note of the survivor’s multiple complaints about the indifferent attitude of the investigating officers handling the case.
Consequently, the apex court declared the grant of anticipatory bail to Jignesh Mehta untenable, promptly overturning the decision and cancelling his bail bonds. As a result, Mehta is now in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
This landmark ruling by the Supreme Court sends a strong message about safeguarding the rights of survivors and underscores the need for due diligence and sensitivity in handling cases of sexual assault.
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