Chhattisgarh High Court rape case verdict: Chhattisgarh High Court has delivered a significant verdict in a 20-year-old case. The court halved the sentence for the accused. The trial court in Dhamtari district of the state had sentenced the accused to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for rape, but the High Court reduced the sentence to three and a half years for attempted rape. The court stated that penetration was not proven, so it was not rape but an attempted rape.
Chhattisgarh High Court: Court delivered verdict on February 16, 2026
The entire case dates back to May 21, 2004, when the victim, a resident of Dhamtari, was home alone. The accused lured her under the pretext of going to the store, took her to his home, bound her hands and feet, stuffed a cloth in her mouth, and forcibly sexually assaulted her. A case was registered in May 2004 based on the victim’s complaint. In April 2005, the Dhamtari Additional Sessions Court convicted the accused of rape under Section 376(1) of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to 7 years and six months’ imprisonment, to run concurrently.
Chhattisgarh High Court Statement on Rape Case: What is the full story?
Entire case dates back to May 21, 2004, when victim, a resident of Dhamtari, was alone at home. The accused lured her under the pretext of going to the shop, took her to his house, bound her hands and feet, stuffed a cloth in her mouth, and forcibly sexually assaulted her. A case was registered in May 2004 based on the victim’s complaint. In April 2005, Dhamtari Additional Sessions Court convicted the accused of rape under Section 376(1) of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to 7 years and six months’ imprisonment, to run concurrently.
Chhattisgarh High Court Statement on Rape Case: What is the full story?
The accused appealed to the High Court, which was heard by a single bench of Justice Narendra Kumar Vyas. In its verdict delivered on February 16, 2026, the court stated that the accused’s intent was clearly wrong, but based on medical and other evidence, it concluded that full penetration was not proven, and therefore, the case was not rape but attempted rape.
Victim’s Statement caused Sensation
Some contradictions were found in the victim’s statement. During cross-examination, she suggested the possibility of partial penetration, but complete penetration could not be proven. The doctor also did not give a definitive opinion on rape in his testimony, although the forensic report found semen. The court stated that penetration is necessary to prove rape; mere discharge is not enough. The evidence proves violent sexual assault, but penetration was not proven.
What did the lawyers say about the court’s decision?
According to public prosecutor Manish Kashyap, based on the medical report, the court changed the sentence from Section 376 to 376 plus 511 (attempt). The new sentence is three and a half years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of 200 rupees, and a six-month sentence under Section 342. Both sentences will run concurrently. The accused has already served approximately one year and one month in prison, which will be added to his sentence. He is currently on bail and has been ordered to surrender to the trial court within two months, otherwise strict action will be taken.
Chhattisgarh High Court rape case verdict: What did the High Court say about rape?
High Court stated that the law delivers verdicts based on evidence and legal definitions, not emotions. Rape is a serious crime, but legal conditions must be met to prove it. If penetration is not proven, the section of the crime may be changed. The court also clarified that the accused has not been acquitted, but rather the section has been changed based on the nature of the crime.
