Bombay High Court Directs DGP to Examine Complaint Alleging ‘False Rape Cases’ Racket Involving Cop & Women Lawyers

In a significant observation regarding the misuse of rape laws, the Bombay High Court has directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra, to consider a representation submitted by a Navi Mumbai-based man who alleges a well-organized scheme involving a police officer and women lawyers falsely accusing men of rape for financial gain. The court acknowledged that false rape allegations not only damage the reputation of the accused but also undermine genuine cases of sexual violence.

A division bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale emphasized the severe consequences faced by men accused in such false cases. “In these instances, a man’s reputation is irreparably damaged. Because of such fabricated cases, even genuine rape complaints suffer,” Justice Mohite-Dere remarked during the proceedings.

The court was hearing a petition submitted by a senior management professional from the automobile industry, who has been incarcerated for over 30 months on rape charges. He alleged that the woman who filed the case against him is a habitual complainant known for repeatedly lodging such cases to extort money from professionals. According to his complaint, this is part of a larger network where certain women lawyers, primarily operating in states such as Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, exploit stringent rape and molestation laws for personal gain.

The petitioner claimed that these women initially establish relationships with affluent men, demand minor financial favors under the guise of love, and subsequently escalate their demands by threatening legal action under rape laws. The complaint further alleged that the racket is orchestrated with the involvement of a police officer who plays a crucial role in filing these false cases. It was stated that in several such instances, the cases were either withdrawn, or the courts acquitted the accused, yet the men had to endure prolonged imprisonment.

Highlighting the plight of those falsely accused, the complainant expressed how his life, career, and future had been ruined due to the stigma of being labeled a rape accused and an ex-prisoner. “There is no way to compensate for the three years I have spent in jail. My life cannot be rebooted, and my suffering cannot be undone,” he stated in his letter to the Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai, Milind Bharambe.

The petitioner’s counsel pointed out that a particular Assistant Police Inspector (API) has been instrumental in registering such cases in Navi Mumbai and Thane at the behest of two women lawyers. The counsel also noted that in multiple cases filed by these lawyers, either the case was later withdrawn, or the accused was acquitted, reinforcing the claim of a systematic misuse of legal provisions.

Taking cognizance of these allegations, the Bombay High Court directed the State DGP to treat the complaint as a representation and determine whether action should be taken against the accused individuals. Justice Mohite-Dere explicitly stated, “If the woman has filed multiple false cases, take action against her. If your officer is complicit, take action against him too.”

The court has granted the DGP eight weeks to appoint an officer to conduct an inquiry against the API named in the complaint and to submit a report on the findings. This direction underscores the judiciary’s concern regarding the misuse of stringent rape laws and its commitment to ensuring justice for those falsely implicated.

While laws against sexual offenses are designed to protect victims and deliver justice, their misuse for extortion and personal gain creates an alarming situation. The court’s directive for an inquiry into this alleged racket aims to strike a balance between safeguarding genuine survivors of sexual crimes and preventing the exploitation of legal provisions for malicious purposes.