Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jun 3: A Karnataka high court judge has triggered discussion over crime and punishment after remarking that severe penalties, including the amputation of limbs as practised in some countries, could make people comply with the law, while hearing a bail plea filed by a 23-year-old engineering student accused of rape.
Justice R Nataraj made the observations while refusing bail to the accused, stating that crimes were increasingly being committed ‘casually and in a routine manner’ because the law had ‘lost its teeth’ and offenders were not being dealt with firmly enough.
“Law has lost its teeth because we don’t deal with offenders firmly. That is why committing an offence has become so easy,” the judge orally observed during the hearing. Stressing the need for deterrence, he suggested that stricter punishments could discourage criminal behaviour.
Referring to punishments imposed in certain West Asian countries, Justice Nataraj remarked, “If you chop off a leg or a hand, perhaps only then people will realise to comply with law. Because we have a democracy, everybody takes it for granted.”
The accused, identified as Gopi Reddy Karthik Reddy, is a student at a private college and has remained in judicial custody since April 5.
Seeking bail, the defence argued that the student had spent nearly two months behind bars despite not committing any offence. Counsel submitted that the allegations relate to an incident alleged to have occurred in September 2023 and contended that continued incarceration would adversely affect the petitioner’s education, career prospects and future.
During the proceedings, the judge also made another pointed observation, saying, “If you eat salt, you have to drink water. Let him stay another four-five days. Let him get used to prison. Who knows, if you are punished, you may have to go back.”
The court subsequently issued notice to the state government and posted the matter for further hearing on June 8.
According to the prosecution, the complainant and the accused were classmates at the private college. Investigators said the woman alleged that the accused had persuaded her to accompany him to an apartment on September 12, 2023, on the pretext of discussing their relationship, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
The complainant told authorities that the incident left her traumatised and suffering from depression, for which she underwent treatment at KMC Manipal. She later approached the National Commission for Women before filing a formal complaint with the police.
The case was registered at the Udupi Women police station under Sections 375(a) and 376 of the Indian Penal Code.
The matter is scheduled to be heard again on June 8.