BackSC refuses to hear plea for CBI probe into Gargi College molestation incident
SC asks petitioner to approach Delhi High CourtOn 6 February, a group of men broke into college premises and harassed and molested students
PremiumNew Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a court-monitored CBI probe into the alleged molestation of students during a cultural festival at Gargi College in the national capital last week.
"Why don't you go to the Delhi High Court. If they dismiss the petition then you come here," said a three-judge bench headed Chief Justice S A Bobde.
The bench, comprising justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, said it would like to have the advantage of Delhi HC's view on the matter.
According to police, a case was registered under Indian Penal Code sections 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
Students of Gargi College have alleged that on 6 February a group of men broke into college premises and harassed and molested attendees, while security officials did nothing to help.
The incident came to light after some students took to Instagram to narrate the horror.
The PIL has alleged that it was a planned political and criminal conspiracy hatched in the backdrop of Delhi assembly elections. "Entire incident is being supported/protected by the state government and no action of arrest has been done till now for justice and to prosecute all accused persons therefore unless this court takes action, real political persons and accused persons will not be arrested at all," the plea had said.
Elections in Delhi were held on 8 February and the result was declared on 11 February.
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