In a unique and strange punishment, the Bombay High Court on Thursday directed four youth from Thane, who stand accused of molestation and attempt to murder, to sweep public roads every week for six months, in return for quashing police proceedings against them. This type of punishment is surprising since it may not be permissible under law. Moreover, dropping case for the charges of attempt to murder (which is serious case) and molestation is itself a serious issue. It is unfortunate that even a high court can propose to pass such an order.
The four accused — Ankit Jadhav, Suhas Thakur, Milind More and Amit Adhakle — had moved the Bombay High Court seeking quashing of the case of molestation and attempt to murder lodged against them in October 2015.
Police said that during the Dussehra procession in Thane last year, the four in an inebriated state misbehaved with some women and assaulted one person who intervened.
Subsequently, police in Naupada lodged a first information report, charging them with attempt to murder and molestation.
The four accused made the plea on grounds that they had amicably resolved the issue with the complainants.
A division bench comprising Justice R.V. More and Justice V.L. Achiliya said the court will quash the case in return for community service.
The court directed the four to sweep public roads in Thane for eight hours every Sunday for the next six months under the supervision of a police officer. [With inputs from IANS]
