‘Convince Customer Like You Convince Husband’ Not Outraging Modesty Under IPC, Says Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court quashed criminal proceedings against SBI’s Assistant General Manager Satyaswarup Meshram, ruling that his comment to a female subordinate, "convince the customer as you convince your husband, "did not amount to outraging her modesty under Section 509 IPC.

The remark, though disgraceful, was made during an official performance review and lacked intent to insult. SBI Manager argued that the comment was made only to encourage better performance at work.

The Court found no evidence of criminal intent or knowledge required under the law, concluding that continuing the case would be an abuse of legal process and quashed the charge sheet.