Deepak Gulati vs. State of Haryana, Criminal Appeal No. 2322 of 2010, Decided on May 20, 2013
The Hon’ble
Supreme Court held as under:
“Rape is the most morally and physically reprehensible crime in a
society, as it is an assault on the body, mind and privacy of the victim. While
a murderer destroys the physical frame of the victim, a rapist degrades and
defiles the soul of a helpless female. Rape reduces a woman to an animal, as it
shakes the very core of her life. By no means can a rape victim be called an
accomplice. Rape leaves a permanent scar on the life of the victim, and
therefore a rape victim is placed on a higher pedestal than an injured
witness. Rape is a crime against the entire society and violates the human
rights of the victim. Being the most hated crime, rape tantamounts to a serious
blow to the supreme honour of a woman, and offends both, her esteem and dignity.
It causes psychological and physical harm to the victim, leaving upon her
indelible marks. [Para 17]
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