NCW moves SC against ‘skin contact’ verdict

New Delhi, February 4

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday moved the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court’s verdict that acquitted a man accused of child abuse on the ground that groping a child’s breasts without ‘skin-to-skin contact’ didn’t amount to ‘sexual assault’ under POCSO Act.

Drafted by advocate Shivani Luthra Lohiya, the NCW petition assailed the verdict delivered by Justice Pushpa Ganediwala, contending the interpretation that physical contact meant ‘skin to skin touch’ was perverse and bad in law.

The Supreme Court had on January 27 stayed the controversial verdict and the acquittal of the accused after Attorney General KK Venugopal submitted before a Bench led by CJI SA Bobde that the judgment would set a dangerous precedent.

“It is a very disturbing conclusion. Your Lordships should take note of this. I will have a petition filed tomorrow,” Venugopal had said. — TNS