The Delhi High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Sumit Singh, accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old minor girl in the Sangam Vihar area of South Delhi. The case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The single bench of Justice Dr. Swarana Kanta Sharma, during the hearing on October 17, 2025, stated that the allegations are serious and prima facie supported by medical evidence.
Background
According to FIR No. 302/2025, the 17-year-old complainant stated that on June 26, 2025, she went to meet her neighbor Sumit Singh, whom she had known for the past three to four years. Sumit allegedly took her to his friend Nikhil’s house in Govindpuri, where he beat her and forcibly had sexual relations with her several times.
After the incident, the victim, terrified, went to her friend’s house in Tughlakabad and, out of fear, did not tell anyone. The next morning, on June 27, she was found at Govindpuri Metro Station by the police after her parents had already lodged a missing report.
Initially, the girl refused medical examination and did not tell the truth to the police. However, on July 5, after a dispute between the accused’s mother and the victim, she revealed the entire incident to her mother, following which the FIR was registered.
Arguments Presented
Advocate Hitesh Thakur, appearing for the applicant, argued that the FIR was the result of a family dispute between both sides and that there was a delay of 11 days in filing the complaint. He also said that there is a contradiction regarding the date of the incident - in some places June 25, in others June 26.
He contended that Sumit Singh has no criminal record and is a clean citizen.
Meanwhile, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Naresh Kumar Chahar opposed the anticipatory bail, stating that the allegations are extremely serious and that the investigation is still in its initial stage. If the accused is granted bail, he could threaten the victim or tamper with evidence.
Court's Observations
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, after hearing both sides, said that the statement of the victim recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is a crucial piece of evidence.
The Court observed -
"It is evident that the minor victim could not immediately disclose the incident due to fear and shame. In such circumstances, her silence is natural."
The medical examination conducted at AIIMS confirmed a bruise below the left eye, mild abrasions on the private parts, and a torn hymen - findings consistent with her statements.
The Court remarked,
"Even if the accused and the victim were friends, it does not grant any right to the accused to commit rape or hold her captive."
The Court also noted that the accused has not yet joined the investigation, even though his anticipatory bail pleas were earlier withdrawn or rejected four times.
Court's Decision
The Court found that the allegations are serious and prima facie supported by the medical report and other material on record.
In its order, the Court stated-
"In view of the present circumstances and the evidence available on record, this Court holds that there is no justification for granting anticipatory bail."
Thus, Sumit Singh’s anticipatory bail plea was dismissed. The Court also clarified that the observations are limited to the stage of bail and shall not affect the outcome of the trial.
Case Title: Sumit Singh vs. State (NCT of Delhi) and Another
Case Number: Anticipatory Bail Application No. 4008/2025