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Can a woman be booked for molesting another lady? - Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court on Thursday questioned whether a woman can be booked for molesting another woman under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code? The court was hearing a petition filed by a 78-year-old woman seeking to quash a molestation case filed against her by a 55-year-old lady.

The division bench headed by Justice Naresh Patil sought to know the legal provision under which a woman can be booked for molesting another woman. “If a woman is alleged to have committed such an act, can she be held under the available section?” the bench questioned.

While adjourning the matter for two weeks, the court asked the petitioner’s lawyer Pradeep Havnur to ascertain the legal position.

The petitioner Vimalabai Shah and her family approached the High court seeking to quash a case lodged against them on March 1, 2010, for allegedly assaulting and molesting the lady in their building in suburban Mumbai.

According to Shah and her family, the complaint was filed in retaliation to a notice issued by Shah’s son, who is the secretary of the building, to the 55-year-old lady over alleged illegality in transfer of her flat.

The Shah family and the complainant’s family have been embroiled in a dispute since 2006 over this.

Article referred: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Only-girl-can-decide-nature-of-touch-HC/articleshow/31124506.cms

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