‘Abuse, humiliation not suicide abetment’: Court grants anticipatory bail to advocates

The Telangana High Court has granted anticipatory bail to two advocates accused in a case of rape on false pretenses and abetment of suicide, involving another advocate. Justice N Tukaramji ruled that mere abuse or humiliation cannot be considered abetment, leading to a custodial interrogation. The court emphasized that the accused were not to threaten, influence, induce witnesses or tamper with evidence.

The prosecution alleged that the woman, a divorcee, joined the accused's law office in 2021 and later experienced sexual assault, harassment, control over her movements, and attempts to force her into marriage. The woman claimed the accused intimidated her into suicide, but the court stated that mere abuse, humiliation, or unpleasant words without a direct link to the suicide do not constitute abetment.

The advocates argued that the allegations were false, vague, and delayed, with the main allegations against one man and abuse/ humiliation against the other. They provided evidence of a consensual live-in relationship and financial records, and argued that arrest would harm their professional careers. The court directed the accused to provide their complete residential addresses, mobile numbers, and contact details to the Investigating Officer.