The Additional District Judge, of the Uttar Pradesh Court convicted a woman under Section 195 of the Indian Penal Code for providing false evidence in court against Ajay Kumar on Rape charges.

The bench, handed down a sentence of 4 years, 6 months, and 8 days of imprisonment to the woman, aligning with the period during which the accused, Ajay Kumar, was wrongfully incarcerated due to the fabricated accusations.

Furthermore, the woman has been fined approximately Rs 5,88,822, an amount that is to be remitted to the accused. This sum has been computed in accordance with the remuneration standards established by the Uttar Pradesh government for an unskilled laborer.

Describing the occurrence as a “highly grave situation” with broad societal implications, the Court expressed that the laws designed for safeguarding women were exploited by the purported victim to achieve unlawful ends, utilizing law enforcement and judicial channels as a means to pursue her illicit agenda.

The bench said “Although it is appropriate and expected from the government, administration and courts to ensure the safety of women through relevant policies and laws; it does not mean that women who take unfair advantage of the same are given the freedom to attack the interests of men. Apart from this, the actions of proven guilty women, like the one presented in the case, are likely to harm the real victims of society. In such a situation, it seems appropriate to punish (the woman) with harsh punishment”.

In September 2018, the mother of the purported victim filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Ajay Kumar, claiming that her 15-year-old daughter had been abducted and raped by him.

During the initial testimony, the alleged victim affirmed the accusations stated in the FIR. Nonetheless, in subsequent cross-examination, she recanted her previous statement, asserting that the accused individual had not assaulted or raped her. She admitted to providing false testimony under oath before the court.

The individual categorically affirmed that her statement given under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code was made under duress by law enforcement officers. Furthermore, she claimed that her mother unjustly filed a case against the accused, Ajay Raghav, without any valid grounds.

Subsequently, legal proceedings were instituted against the alleged victim under Section 195 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, against this contentious backdrop.

 The bench determined that the victim had falsely accused the man of kidnapping and raping despite no such offense occurring.

The repercussions of her deceit resulted in the man enduring over four years of incarceration.

Consequently, the Court sentenced the woman to 4 years 6 months of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 5.8 lakh, to be remitted to Ajay in accordance with Section 357 of the Criminal Procedure Code.