Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Man Accused of Deception and Cruelty

Prabhat Kumar's bail plea rejected due to allegations of coercion, concealment of marriage, and threats of circulating private videos.

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has rejected the bail application of Prabhat Kumar, who faces serious charges including deception, physical and mental cruelty, and coercion. The court, presided over by Dr. Swarana Kanta Sharma, J., found prima facie evidence supporting the allegations, which include inducing the complainant into a relationship under the false promise of marriage while concealing his existing marriage.

Prabhat Kumar was charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 376, 498A, 406, 377, and 506, following a complaint filed by his wife. The complainant alleged that Kumar had deceived her into a relationship, coercing her into physical relations by falsely promising marriage. The complaint also includes accusations of dowry demands, physical and mental cruelty, and threats to circulate private videos.

The court examined evidence including the complainant's statements, medical examination reports, and material collected during the investigation. It noted that Kumar had not disclosed his existing marriage to the complainant, which invalidated her consent to the relationship. The complainant discovered the existing marriage upon finding photographs on Kumar's mobile phone.

The court was also presented with evidence that Kumar had taken away the complainant's jewellery and scooty without consent and had threatened to ruin her reputation by circulating private videos if she approached the police. Despite the defense's argument that the relationship was consensual and that the complainant was aware of Kumar's previous marriage, the court found no material to support these claims.

The judgment highlighted the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for Kumar to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence if released on bail. Given the nature of the charges and the stage of the investigation, the court deemed it inappropriate to grant bail at this juncture.

The court emphasized that this decision does not reflect an opinion on the merits of the case, which will be determined in the trial. The bail application dismissal underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing allegations of coercion and deception in relationships with due seriousness.

Bottom Line:

Bail application rejected due to prima facie evidence of deception, coercion, and concealment of prior marriage by the accused, along with allegations of physical and mental cruelty and threats.

Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 376, 498A, 406, 377, 506

Prabhat Kumar v. State of Govt. NCT of Delhi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2819692