Sexual Harassment Plaint Invalid if Woman Wore ‘Provocative Dress’: Kerala Court

The court made the observation and granted anticipatory bail to activist Civic Chandran in a sexual harassment case.

A district sessions court in Kerala’s Kozhikode on Wednesday, 17 August, observed that offences under Section 354 (A) (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) are prima facie 'not attracted' when the woman was wearing ‘sexually provocative dresses.’

The court made the observation while granting anticipatory bail to 74-year-old social activist and writer Civic Chandran in a sexual harassment case. Chandran had furnished photographs of the complainant along with the bail plea.

Kozhikode Sessions Court granted bail to activist Civic Chandran

'Sexual harassment will not prima facie stand when complainant was wearing a dress that was sexually provocative'

Expressed disbelief that 74-yr-old disabled accused could forcefully put the complainant in his lap

— Smitha T K (@smitha_tk) August 17, 2022