The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of Congress MP Rakesh Rathore, accused of sexually exploiting a woman for four years under false promises of marriage. Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan ordered Rathore to surrender before the trial court within two weeks, stressing the urgency of fair legal proceedings.
Case Background
On January 17, a 35-year-old woman filed an FIR against Rathore at Sitapur police station. She alleged that the MP, representing Sitapur Lok Sabha constituency, repeatedly assaulted her between 2019 and 2023 while promising marriage and political career support. The FIR invoked Sections 64, 351(3), and 127(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Rathore initially sought anticipatory bail from a Special MP/MLA Court in Sitapur on January 23, but it was rejected. Following this, he approached the High Court, claiming the allegations were fabricated and questioning the four-year delay in filing the complaint.
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Court Proceedings and Key Arguments
During the hearing, Rathore’s counsel, Advocates Arvind Masdalan and Dinesh Tripathi, argued that the delayed FIR raised doubts about its authenticity. “The petitioner has been falsely implicated. Why did the complainant wait four years to approach the police?” they contended.
The victim’s lawyer countered that fear of Rathore’s political influence delayed the complaint. “The survivor hesitated due to his societal standing and power. Gathering courage to challenge an MP took time,” they stated.
Justice Chauhan dismissed Rathore’s plea, highlighting the gravity of the charges. “Considering the seriousness of the allegations, anticipatory bail cannot be granted. The accused must surrender and seek regular bail,” the court observed.
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Surrender Order and Next Steps
The High Court directed Rathore to surrender within 14 days and instructed the sessions court to expedite his regular bail plea without unnecessary delays. This decision came after the Sitapur MP failed to appear before police despite a January 23 notice.
Earlier, on January 20, a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him. With no legal remedies left, Rathore must now comply with the surrender order.
The case has drawn attention to accountability for public figures accused of sexual misconduct. Legal experts emphasize that the court’s refusal to grant anticipatory bail reflects the judiciary’s stance on addressing such allegations promptly.
“Courts prioritize protecting survivors, especially when power dynamics are involved. Delays in filing complaints are common in such cases,” said a senior advocate.
As Rakesh Rathore prepares to surrender, the case enters a critical phase. The sessions court will now evaluate his bail application, while the victim seeks justice after years of alleged exploitation. The High Court’s firm stance underscores the need for impartial proceedings, ensuring no individual evades accountability due to political stature.
This article is based on court proceedings and official statements. Further updates will follow as the case progresses.
