Pulling Woman’s Hands Not Outraging Modesty Without Criminal Intent: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court observed that while pulling a woman’s hands may offend her sense of decency, it will not amount to outraging her modesty unless there is clear evidence of criminal intent.

The Court emphasised that intention is essential to establish the offence and cannot be presumed from vague or generalised statements in evidence.

Acts done for other reasons, such as pulling the woman away from the road to prevent an accident, would not qualify as outraging modesty under the law.

In the absence of specific proof of indecent or sexual intent, the accused is entitled to the benefit of doubt regarding criminal intention.

[Murugesan v. The Inspector of Police]