Delhi court upholds no rape charges against accused

A Delhi court has upheld a lower court's decision not to charge a man with rape, despite a woman's allegations. The woman claimed that the man forcibly entered her home, assaulted her, and tried to undress her. However, the court determined that her statements did not support a rape charge. The ruling comes after a similar case drew widespread attention. In that case, the Allahabad High Court ruled that grabbing a woman's breasts and trying to drag her did not constitute rape or attempted rape. Judge Abhishek Goyal stated that the woman’s complaint lacked any mention of penetration, which is essential for a rape charge. The court noted that while the woman accused the man of trying to rape her, there was no evidence of any actual penetration. The incident occurred on September 14, 2016, when the woman was assaulted. After the attack, the man allegedly threatened her against going to the authorities. The lower court had previously ordered that the man face charges of assault and harassment. The woman's appeal against the dismissal of the rape charge was rejected. Meanwhile, the judge maintained the charges related to other offenses, like stalking and criminal intimidation. In the ruling, the judge referred to a 1988 judgment that clarified the definition of an attempt to rape, stating that actions must go beyond mere preparation.