'Got mentally sick': Supreme Court raps lawyer over 'consent' claim in minor's rape case

The bench wanted to set the fact straight with the lawyer that consent was immaterial if the survivor was a minor.

Published on: Mar 20, 2025, 19:14:30 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up a lawyer for repeatedly writing “consensual relationship” in a bail plea of his client, who is accused of a minor girl's rape.

The lawyer apologised to the Supreme Court bench, which later issued notices to police and others on the bail plea. (PTI)

“We got mentally sick after reading the petition. At least 20 times you have written 'consensual relationship' in the SLP (special leave petition). What is the age of the girl? You yourself say in the petition that she was a minor,” PTI quoted Justice Surya Kant as saying.

The bench wanted to set the fact straight with the lawyer that consent was immaterial if the survivor was a minor.

“Every paragraph you have written ‘consensual relationship’. What do you mean by consensual relationship? You do not know the ABCD of law … why are you filing SLP,” Justice Kant, who was on the bench with Justice N Kotiswar Singh, said.

“Are you an AoR (advocate-on-record)?” the bench asked.

AoRs are lawyers authorised to file cases and pleadings in the Supreme Court. The top court conducts AoR examinations for the lawyers.

“How are these people qualifying (for the AoR)? You don't know the basic law… 20 times you have said ‘consensual relationship’ …Tomorrow you will say there was a consensual relationship with an 8-month-old child,” the bench added.

ALSO READ: Tribunals in India need to be strengthened: SC

The lawyer apologised to the bench, which later issued notices to police and others on the bail plea.

'Acid attack survivors can move state legal services': Supreme Court

In another development, the top court on Thursday said acid attack survivors could approach their respective state legal services authority in case there was a delay in receiving compensation.

According to a PTI report, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar took note of the submissions of the counsel of Mumbai-based NGO Acid Survivors Sahas Foundation that such survivors were finding it tough to receive compensation from authorities in Maharashtra.

“Just get in touch with the state legal services authorities (SLSAs),” the CJI said.

The bench added, “The victims will be at liberty to approach the state legal services authorities in case of delay in payment of compensation."

(With PTI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Supreme Court

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.