Chhattisgarh High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Bhilai Radiologist
Background of the Case
The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted anticipatory bail to a radiologist based in Bhilai, who faced allegations of molestation. Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha examined the circumstances surrounding the complaint and emphasized the need to prevent the misuse of criminal law in cases where allegations may be driven by ulterior motives.
Details of the Allegation
The court noted that the complainant, a pregnant woman, had reportedly requested the doctor to perform a fetal or embryo examination. This procedure is explicitly prohibited under current laws designed to prevent sex selection. The refusal of the doctor to conduct this illegal test in adherence to his professional and legal duties appeared to be the catalyst for the subsequent complaint.
Case Proceedings and Arguments
The 50-year-old doctor was facing the prospect of arrest in connection with a case registered at the Supela police station. The allegations, brought forth by a nine-month pregnant woman, claimed indecent behavior during an ultrasound conducted on October 16 at a diagnostic center in Bhilai. The prosecution contended that the doctor had inappropriately touched the complainant behind a curtain. However, the High Court indicated that the case diary presented a different sequence of events.
Court’s Observations
During the proceedings, the Chief Justice noted that the information submitted to the court suggested that the allegations were “false and motivated,” seemingly filed “as an afterthought, solely with the intent to harass and malign the applicant.” Additionally, the court pointed out that the complainant had routinely visited the diagnostic center throughout her pregnancy without raising any prior complaints.
Professional Background of the Doctor
The court also considered the doctor’s clean professional record and absence of any criminal history. He provided documentation related to his medical registration and the licensing of the diagnostic center to bolster his defense.
Conclusion of the Hearing
While the High Court emphasized that its findings were preliminary and focused solely on the bail decision, it ruled that the circumstances warranted granting the radiologist protection from arrest.