Molestation case: SC to pronounce verdict on ex-Haryana DGP’s appeal today

The Supreme Court will pronounce on Friday its verdict on former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore’s appeal, challenging his conviction in the Ruchika molestation case.

The Supreme Court will pronounce on Friday its verdict on former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore’s appeal, challenging his conviction in the Ruchika molestation case.

SC will pronounce its verdict on former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore’s appeal, challenging his conviction in the Ruchika molestation case. (File Photo)

A bench headed by Justice MB Lokur will deliver the verdict at 10:30am on Friday.

Rathore moved the apex court after the Punjab and Haryana high court upheld a trial court order convicting Rathore in the criminal case. The HC came down heavily on Rathore and enhanced his sentence from six months to 18 months.

On November 11, 2010 a bench then comprising Justices P Sathasivam and BS Chauhan ordered Rathore’s release on bail till the final diposal of his appeal.

Ruchika Girhotra, an upcoming tennis player, was 14 when she committed suicide in December 1993. She took the extreme step three years after she lodged a complaint against Rathore for his alleged misbehaviour.

Her family said Rathore, who was then the IGP at that time, got back at the family by getting Ruchika’s brother arrested. Ruchika too was expelled from her school within a month of her complaining against Rathore. Her family has alleged she was forced to commit suicide because she could not tolerate the torture her brother was subjected to at Rathore’s behest.

Of the three, the CBI has closed two cases -- attempt to murder and doctoring of documents -- citing lack of evidence. The third case, related to abetment to suicide, is still pending.