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REPORTABLE
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.902 OF 2004 Aveek Sarkar & Anr. ers!s State "# $est %en&al & Ors. .. Resp"n'ents .. Appellants

JUDGMENT

K. S. RADHAKRISHNAN, J. 1. A (er)an )a&a*+ne ,- na)e .STERN/ 0av+n&

1"rl'1+'e 2+r2!lat+"n p!,l+s0e' an art+2le 1+t0 a p+2t!re "# %"r+s %e2ker3 a 1"rl' ren"1ne' Tenn+s pla-er3 p"s+n& n!'e 1+t0 0+s 'ark4sk+nne' #+an25e ,- na)e %ar,ara Felt!s3 a #+l) a2tress3 10+20 1as p0"t"&rap0e' ,- n"ne "t0er t0an 0er #at0er. %e2ker T0e art+2le states t0at3 +n an +nterv+e13 ,"t0 %"r+s an' %ar,a,a Felt!s sp"ke #reela,"!t t0e+r

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en&a&e)ent3 t0e+r l+ves an' #!t!re plans an' t0e )essa&e t0e- 1ante' t" 2"nve- t" t0e pe"ple at lar&e3 #"r p"s+n& t" s!20 a p0"t"&rap0. Art+2le p+2t!r+ses %"r+s %e2ker as a

str+'ent pr"tester "# t0e pern+2+"!s pra2t+2e "# .Apart0e+'/. F!rt0er3 +t 1as state' t0at t0e p!rp"se "# t0e p0"t"&rap0 1as als" t" s+&n+#- t0at l"ve 20a)p+"ns "ver 0atre'. 6. .Sp"rts $"rl'/3 a 1+'el- 2+r2!late' )a&a*+ne p!,l+s0e'

+n In'+a repr"'!2e' t0e art+2le an' t0e p0"t"&rap0 as 2"ver st"r- +n +ts Iss!e 17 'ate' 87.87.199: 1+t0 t0e 2apt+"n

.P"s+n& n!'e 'r"pp+n& "!t "# t"!rna)ents3 ,attl+n& Ra2+s) +n (er)an-. %"r+s
%e2ker e;pla+ns 0+s re2ent appr"a20 t" l+#e/ < %"r+s %e2ker

Unmask !.
:. Anan'a,a*ar Patr+ka3 a ne1spaper 0av+n& 1+'e

2+r2!lat+"n +n ="lkata3 als" p!,l+s0e' +n t0e se2"n' pa&e "# t0e ne1spaper t0e a,"ve4)ent+"ne' p0"t"&rap0 as 1ell as t0e art+2le "n 8>.87.199:3 as appeare' +n t0e Sp"rts $"rl'.

?.

A la1-er pra2t+2+n& at Al+p"re J!'&e@s C"!rt3 ="lkata3

2la+)e' t" ,e a re&!lar rea'er "# Sp"rts $"rl' as 1ell as

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Anan'a,a*ar Patr+ka #+le' a 2")pla+nt !n'er Se2t+"n 696 "# t0e In'+an Penal C"'e a&a+nst t0e Appellants 0ere+n3 t0e E'+t"r an' t0e P!,l+s0er an' Pr+nter "# t0e ne1spaper as 1ell as a&a+nst t0e E'+t"r "# t0e Sp"rts $"rl'3 #"r)er Capta+n "# In'+an Cr+2ket Tea)3 late Mans""r Al+ =0an "# Pata!'+3 ,e#"re t0e S!,4D+v+s+"nal Ma&+strate at Al+p"re. C")pla+nt state'

t0at as an e;per+en2e' A'v"2ate an' an el'erl- pers"n3 0e 2"!l' v"!20sa#e t0at t0e n!'e p0"t"&rap0 appeare' +n t0e Anan'a,a*ar Patr+ka3 as 1ell as +n t0e Sp"rts $"rl'3 1"!l' 2"rr!pt -"!n& )+n's3 ,"t0 20+l'ren an' -"!t0 "# t0+s 2"!ntr-3 an' +s a&a+nst t0e 2!lt!ral an' )"ral val!es "# "!r s"2+et-. T0e 2")pla+nant state' t0at !nless s!20 t-pes "# ",s2ene p0"t"&rap0s are 2ens!re' an' ,anne' an' a22!se' pers"ns are p!n+s0e'3 t0e '+&n+t- an' 0"n"!r "# "!r 1")an0""' 1"!l' ,e +n Ae"par'-. T0e 2")pla+nant als"

'ep"se' ,e#"re t0e C"!rt "n 18.7.199:3 inter alia3 as #"ll"1s B .CCCT0at t0e A22!se' N".1 an' t0e A22!se' N".6 ,"t0 t0e e'+t"rs "# Anan'a %a*ar Patr+ka an' Sp"rts $"rl' respe2t+vel- +ntent+"nall- an' 'el+,eratel- 1+t0 t0e 0elp "# t0e A22!se' N".: #"r t0e p!rp"se "# t0e+r ,!s+ness3 part+2!larl- #"r sale "# t0e+r papers an'

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)a&a*+nes p!,l+s0e'3 pr+nte' an' p!,l+2l- e;0+,+te' an' 2+r2!late' an' als" s"l' t0e+r papers an' )a&a*+nes na)el-3 Anan' %a*ar Patr+ka an' Sp"rts $"rl' 'ate' >.7.199: 10ere+n t0e p0"t"&rap0 "# 1"rl' 2lass La1n Tenn+s pla-er na)el-3 %"r+s %e2ker an' 0+s &+rl #r+en' (er)an F+l) A2tress M+ss %ar,ara 0ave ,een p!,l+s0e' +n a )anner +n an +nter4t1+ne' )anner 10ere+n %"r+s %e2ker pla2e' t0e 0an' !p"n t0e ,reast "# M+ss %ar,ara 10+20 0ave anne;e' +n )- pet+t+"n 1+t0 a 2apt+"n D%"r+s %a2ker Un4)aske'@ 10+20 +s a,s"l!tel- ",s2ene an' las2+v+"!s +n nat!re an' 10+20 +s a 2r+)+nal "##en2e. T0e ",s2ene an' a,"!t n!'e p0"t"&rap0s s0"1 p!,l+s0e' ,- t0e a22!se' pers"ns +n t0e )+n' "# )-sel# as 1ell as s"2+et- "# '+##erent a&e &r"!p 0ave a ver- ,a' +)pa2tCC../ 7. T0e learne' Ma&+strate "n 18.7.199: passe' t0e

#"ll"1+n& "r'er +n Cr+)+nal Case Re#. Case N".C.E9> "# 199: B DC")pla+nant +s present. He +s e;a)+ne' an' '+s20ar&e'. N" "t0er P$s are present. It appears t0at a pr+)a #a2+e 2ase +s )a'e "!t a&a+nst t0e a22!se' pers"ns !n'er Se2t+"n 696 IPC. Iss!e s!))"ns a&a+nst all t0e a22!se' pers"ns #+;+n& 1E.>.199: #"r S.P. an' appearan2e. ReF!+s+te at "ne./ >. C")pla+nant als" !r&e' t0at t0e a22!se' pers"ns

s0"!l' n"t "nl- ,e pr"se2!te' !n'er Se2t+"n 696 IPC3 ,!t als" ,e pr"se2!te' !n'er Se2t+"n ? "# t0e In'e2ent Representat+"n "# $")en GPr"0+,+t+"nH A2t3 19I>3 s+n2e t0e p0"t"&rap0 prima facie &+ves a se;!al t+t+llat+"n an' +ts

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+)pa2t +s )"ral 'e&ra'at+"n an' 1"!l' als" en2"!ra&e t0e pe"ple t" 2"))+t se;!al "##en2es. T0e a22!se' pers"ns "n 7.:.199: #+le' an appl+2at+"n ,e#"re t0e C"!rt #"r 'r"pp+n& t0e pr"2ee'+n&s stat+n& t0at t0ere 1as n" +lle&al+t- +n repr"'!2+n& +n t0e Sp"rts $"rl' as 1ell as +n t0e

Anan'a,a*ar Patr+ka "# t0e ne1s +te) an' p0"t"&rap0 appeare' +n a )a&a*+ne DSTERN/ p!,l+s0e' +n (er)an-. F!rt0er3 +t 1as p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e sa+' )a&a*+ne 1as never ,anne' entr- +nt" In'+a an' 1as never 2"ns+'ere' as D",s2ene@3 espe2+all- 10en Se2t+"n E9 "# In'+an Penal C"'e states t0at n"t0+n& +s an "##en2e 10+20 +s '"ne ,- an- pers"n 10" +s A!st+#+e' ,- la13 "r 10" ,- reas"n "# a )+stake "# #a2t an' n"t reas"n "# a )+stake "# la1 +n &""' #a+t03 ,el+eves 0+)sel# t" ,e A!st+#+e' ,- la13 +n '"+n& +t. E. T0e C"!rt a#ter see+n& t0e p0"t"&rap0s an' 0ear+n& t0e

ar&!)ents "n e+t0er s+'e3 0el' as #"ll"1s B4 .M"re"ver3 !nt+l ev+'en2e 2")es +n +t 1+ll n"t ,e pr"per t" &+ve an- "p+n+"n as t" t0e resp"ns+,+l+t- "# t0e a22!se' pers"ns. %!t I #eel +t pert+nent t" )ent+"n t0at t0"!&0 t0e Se2t+"n 696 '"es n"t 'e#+ne 1"r' D",s2ene@3 ,!t )- r+'s "# pre2e'ents 0ave 2l!stere' r"!n' "n t0+s p"+nt an' ,e+n& sat+s#+e' 1+t0

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t0e )ater+als "n re2"r'3 pern+2+"!s e##e2t "# p+2t!re +n 'eprav+n& an' 'e,a!20+n& t0e )+n' "# t0e pers"ns +nt" 10"se 0an's +t )a- 2")e an' als" #"r "t0er s!##+2+ent reas"ns t" pr"2ee' #!rt0er t0+s C"!rt 1as please' t" +ss!e pr"2ess a&a+nst t0e a22!se' pers"ns !n'er Se2t+"n 696 I.P.C. At present 0av+n& re&ar' t" t0e #a2ts "# t0e 2ase3 I #+n' t0e )atter )er+ts +nter#eren2e ,- n"t 'r"pp+n& t0e pr"2ee'+n&s as pra-e' #"r. It +s t"" earl- t" sa- t0at t0e a22!se' pers"ns are ent+tle' t" &et ,ene#+t "# Se2t+"n E9 I.P.C./ I. T0e Ma&+strate a#ter 0"l'+n& s"3 0el' t0e a22!se'

pers"ns t" ,e e;a)+ne' !n'er Se2t+"n 671 Cr.P.C. an' "r'ere' t0at t0e- 1"!l' ,e p!t t" #a2e t0e tr+al #"r t0e "##en2e p!n+s0a,le !n'er Se2t+"n 696 IPC alternat+vel- !n'er Se2t+"n ? "# t0e In'e2ent Representat+"n "# $")en

GPr"0+,+t+"nH A2t3 19I>. 9. T0e Appellants 0ere+n pre#erre' Cr+)+nal Rev+s+"n

N".1791 "# 199? ,e#"re t0e H+&0 C"!rt "# Cal2!tta !n'er Se2t+"n ?I6 Cr.P.C. #"r F!as0+n& t0e pr"2ee'+n&s +n Case N".C.E9> "# 199: G2"rresp"n'+n& t" T.R. N".:7 "# 199?H pen'+n& ,e#"re t0e learne' J!'+2+al Ma&+strate C"!rt3 Al+p"re. %e#"re t0e H+&0 C"!rt3 +t 1as p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e Ma&+strate 0a' n"t pr"perl- appre2+ate' t0e #a2t t0at t0ere 1as n" ,an

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+n +)p"rt+n& t0e (er)an sp"rts )a&a*+ne DSTERN/ +nt" In'+a. C"nseF!entl-3 repr"'!2t+"n "# an- p+2t!re 1"!l' #all 1+t0+n t0e &eneral e;2ept+"n 2"nta+ne' +n Se2t+"n E9 IPC.

Re#eren2e 1as als" )a'e t" letter 'ate' 68 t0 J!l-3 199: a''resse' ,- t0e Ass+stant E'+t"r3 Sp"rts $"rl' t" t0e C"lle2t"r3 Cal2!tta C!st")s an' a 2"p- "# t0e letter 'ate' ?.18.199: sent ,- t0e Dep!t- C"lle2t"r3 Cal2!tta C!st")s t" t0e Ass+stant E'+t"r3 Sp"rts $"rl'. Re#err+n& t" t0e p+2t!re3

+t 1as p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e p+2t!re "nl- 'e)"nstrates t0e pr"test l"'&e' ,- %"r+s %e2ker as 1ell as 0+s #+an25e a&a+nst Dapart0e+'/ an' t0"se #a2ts 1ere n"t pr"perl- appre2+ate' ,t0e learne' Ma&+strate. F!rt0er3 +t 1as als" p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e "##en'+n& p+2t!re 2"!l' n"t ,e ter)e' as ",s2ene +nas)!20 as n!'+t- per se 1as n"t ",s2ene an' t0e p+2t!re 1as ne+t0er s!&&est+ve n"r pr"v"2at+ve +n an- )anner an' 1"!l' 0ave n" a##e2t "n t0e )+n's "# t0e -"!t0 "r t0e p!,l+2 +n &eneral. Ma&+strate F!rt0er3 +t 1as als" p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e learne' s0"!l' n"t 0ave +ss!e' s!))"ns 1+t0"!t

appl+2at+"n "# )+n'.

T0e H+&0 C"!rt3 0"1ever3 '+' n"t

appre2+ate all t0"se 2"ntent+"ns an' 'e2l+ne' t" F!as0 t0e

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pr"2ee'+n&s !n'er Se2t+"n ?I: Cr.P.C.3 a&a+nst 10+20 t0+s appeal 0as ,een pre#erre'. 18. S0r+ Pra'eep (0"s03 learne' sen+"r 2"!nsel3 appear+n& #"r t0e Appellants3 s!,)+tte' t0at t0e p!,l+2at+"n +n F!est+"n as 1ell as t0e p0"t"&rap0 taken3 as a 10"le an' +n t0e ,a2k&r"!n' "# #a2ts an' 2+r2!)stan2es3 2ann"t ,e sa+' t" ,e per se .",s2ene/ 1+t0+n t0e )ean+n& "# Se2t+"n 691G1H IPC s" as t" re)an' a tr+al "# t0e Appellants +n respe2t "# t0e alle&e' "##en2e !n'er Se2t+"n 696G1H IPC. T0e learne'

2"!nsel p"+nte' "!t t0at ",s2en+t- 0as t" ,e A!'&e' +n t0e 2"nte;t "# 2"nte)p"rar- s"2+al )"res3 2!rrent s"2+"4)"ral att+t!'e "# t0e 2"))!n+t- an' t0e prevalent n"r)s "# a22epta,+l+t-J s!s2ept+,+l+t- "# t0e 2"))!n+t-3 +n relat+"n t" )atters +n +ss!e. In s!pp"rt "# t0+s 2"ntent+"n3 rel+an2e 1as

pla2e' "n t0e C"nst+t!t+"n %en20 A!'&)ent "# t0+s C"!rt +n Ranjit D. Udeshi v. State of Maharashtra AIR 19>7 SC II1. Re#eren2e 1as als" )a'e t" t0e A!'&)ent "# t0+s C"!rt +n Chandrakant Kal andas Kakodar v. State of

Maharashtra 19>9 G6H SCC >IE.

Fe1 "t0er A!'&)ents

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1ere als" re#erre' t" +n s!pp"rt "# 0+s 2"ntent+"n. Learne' sen+"r 2"!nsel als" p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e learne' Ma&+strate as 1ell as t0e H+&0 C"!rt 0ave 2")pletel- "verl""ke' t0e 2"nte;t +n 10+20 t0e p0"t"&rap0 1as p!,l+s0e' an' t0e )essa&e +t 0a' &+ven t" t0e p!,l+2 at lar&e. Learne' sen+"r 2"!nsel als" p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e p0"t"&rap0 +s +n n" 1av!l&ar "r las2+v+"!s. Learne' sen+"r 2"!nsel als" p"+nte'

"!t t0at t0e C"!rts ,el"1 0ave n"t pr"perl- appre2+ate' t0e s2"pe "# Se2t+"n E9 IPC an' t0at t0e Appellants are A!st+#+e' +n la1 +n p!,l+s0+n& t0e p0"t"&rap0 an' t0e art+2le 10+20 1as ,"rr"1e' #r") t0e (er)an )a&a*+ne. Learne' sen+"r

2"!nsel als" p"+nte' "!t t0at s!20 a p!,l+2at+"n 1as never #"!n' t" ,e ",s2ene even ,- t0e State a!t0"r+t+es an' n" FIR 1as ever l"'&e' a&a+nst t0e Appellants an' a pr+vate 2")pla+nt "# s!20 a nat!re s0"!l' n"t 0ave ,een enterta+ne' ,- t0e learne' Ma&+strate 1+t0"!t appre2+at+n& t0e #a2ts as 1ell as t0e la1 "n t0e p"+nt. Learne' sen+"r 2"!nsel p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e H+&0 C"!rt "!&0t t" 0ave e;er2+se' A!r+s'+2t+"n !n'er Se2t+"n ?I6 Cr.P.C.

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11. S0r+ M"0+t Pa!l3 learne' 2"!nsel3 appear+n& #"r t0e Resp"n'ents3 s!,)+tte' t0at t0e C"!rts ,el"1 1ere A!st+#+e' +n 0"l'+n& t0at +t 1"!l' n"t ,e pr"per t" &+ve an "p+n+"n as t" t0e 2!lpa,+l+t- "# t0e a22!se' pers"ns !nless t0e- are p!t t" tr+al an' t0e ev+'en2e +s a''!2e'. Learne' 2"!nsel p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e F!est+"n 10et0er t0e p!,l+2at+"n "# t0e p0"t"&rap0 +s A!st+#+e' "r n"t an' 1as )a'e +n &""' #a+t0 reF!+res t" ,e pr"ve' ,- t0e Appellants s+n2e &""' #a+t0 an' p!,l+2 &""' are F!est+"ns "# #a2t an' )atters #"r ev+'en2e. Learne' 2"!nsel p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e learne' Ma&+strate as 1ell as t0e H+&0 C"!rt 1as A!st+#+e' +n n"t F!as0+n& t0e 2")pla+nt an' "r'er+n& t0e Appellants t" #a2e t0e tr+al. TEST OF O"SCENIT# AND COMMUNIT# STANDARDS 16. C"nst+t!t+"n %en20 "# t0+s C"!rt +n t0e -ear 19>7 +n Ranjit D. Udeshi Gs!praH +n'+2ate' t0at t0e 2"n2ept "# ",s2en+t- 1"!l' 20an&e 1+t0 t0e passa&e "# t+)e an' 10at )+&0t 0ave ,een .",s2ene/ at "ne p"+nt "# t+)e 1"!l' n"t ,e 2"ns+'ere' as ",s2ene at a later per+"'. J!'&)ent re#ers

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t" several e;a)ples "# 20an&+n& n"t+"n "# ",s2en+t- an' !lt+)atel- t0e C"!rt ",serve' as #"ll"1s B4 .C. T0e 1"rl'3 +s n"1 a,le t" t"lerate )!20 )"re t0an #"r)erl-3 0av+n& 2")+n& +n'!rate ,- l+terat!re "# '+##erent s"rts. T0e att+t!'e +s n"t -et settle'C../ T0+s +s 10at t0+s C"!rt 0as sa+' +n t0e -ear 19>7. 1:. A&a+n +n t0e -ear 19>93 +n Chandrakant Kal andas Kakodar Gs!praH3 t0+s C"!rt re+terate' t0e pr+n2+ple as #"ll"1sB4 .T0e stan'ar's "# 2"nte)p"rar- s"2+et- +n In'+a are als" #ast 20an&+n&. . 1?. A,"ve )ent+"ne' pr+n2+ple 0as ,een re+terate' +n Sa!aresh Bose v. A!al Mitra G19I7H ? SCC 6I9 ,- la-+n& e)p0as+s "n 2"nte)p"rars"2+al val!es an' &eneral

att+t!'e "# "r'+nar- rea'er. A&a+n +n 68183 t0e pr+n2+ple "# 2"nte)p"rar- 2"))!n+t- stan'ar's an' s"2+al val!es 0ave ,een re+terate' +n S. Kh"sh#oo $. Kannia!!al G6818H 7 SCC >88. 17. T0+s C"!rt +n Ranjit D. Udeshi Gs!praH 0+&0l+&0te' t0e 'el+2ate task t" ,e '+s20ar&e' ,- t0e C"!rts +n A!'&+n&

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10et0er t0e 1"r'3 p+2t!re3 pa+nt+n&3 et2. 1"!l' pass t0e test "# ",s2en+t- !n'er Se2t+"n 696 "# t0e C"'e an' t0e C"!rt 0el' as #"ll"1s B .T0e Penal C"'e '"es n"t 'e#+ne t0e 1"r' ",s2ene an' t0+s 'el+2ate task "# 0"1 t" '+st+n&!+s0 ,et1een t0at 10+20 +s art+st+2 an' t0at 10+20 +s ",s2ene 0as t" ,e per#"r)e' ,- 2"!rts3 an' +n t0e last res"rt ,t0e S!pre)e C"!rt. T0e test )!st ",v+"!sl- ,e "# a &eneral 20ara2ter ,!t +t )!st a')+t "# a A!st appl+2at+"n #r") 2ase t" 2ase ,- +n'+2at+n& a l+ne "# 'e)ar2at+"n n"t ne2essar+l- s0arp ,!t s!##+2+entl'+st+n2t t" '+st+n&!+s0 ,et1een t0at 10+20 +s ",s2ene an' t0at 10+20 +s n"t. N"ne 0as s" #ar atte)pte' a 'e#+n+t+"n "# ",s2en+t- ,e2a!se t0e )ean+n& 2an ,e la+' ,are 1+t0"!t atte)pt+n& a 'e#+n+t+"n ,'es2r+,+n& 10at )!st ,e l""ke' #"r. It )a-3 0"1ever3 ,e sa+' at "n2e t0at treat+n& 1+t0 se; an' n!'+t- +n art an' l+terat!re 2ann"t ,e re&ar'e' as ev+'en2e "# ",s2en+t- 1+t0"!t s")et0+n& )"re. T0e test "# ",s2en+t- )!st sF!are 1+t0 t0e #ree'") "# spee20 an' e;press+"n &!arantee' !n'er "!r C"nst+t!t+"n. T0+s +nv+tes t0e 2"!rt t" rea20 a 'e2+s+"n "n a 2"nst+t!t+"nal +ss!e "# a )"st #ar rea20+n& 20ara2ter an' +t )!st ,e1are t0at +t )a- n"t lean t"" #ar a1a#r") t0e &!arantee' #ree'")./ 1>. Appl-+n& t0e a,"ve test3 t" t0e ,""k .La'-

C0atterle-@s L"ver/3 t0+s C"!rt +n Ranjit D. Udeshi Gs!praH 0el' t0at +n treat+n& 1+t0 se; t0e +)p!&ne' p"rt+"ns v+e1e' separatel- an' als" +n t0e sett+n& "# t0e 10"le ,""k passe' t0e per)+ss+,le l+)+ts A!'&e' "# #r") "!r 2"))!n+t-

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stan'ar's an' t0ere 1as n" s"2+al &a+n t" t0e p!,l+2 10+20 2"!l' ,e sa+' t" prep"n'erate t0e ,""k )!st ,e 0el' t" sat+s#- t0e test "# ",s2en+t-. 1E. T0e n"vel .La'- C0atterle-@s L"ver/ 10+20 2a)e t" ,e 2"n'e)ne' as ",s2ene ,- t0+s C"!rt 1as 0el' t" ,e n"t ",s2ene +n En&lan' ,- Central Cr+)+nal C"!rt. t0e F!est+"n "# ",s2en+t- +s le#t t" t0e J!r-. In En&lan'3 %-rne3 J.3

learne' J!'&e 10" pres+'e' "ver t0e Central Cr+)+nal C"!rt +n R. v. Pen%"in Books Ltd. G19>1 Crl. La1 Rev+e1 1E>H ",serve' as #"ll"1s B4 .In s!))+n& !p 0+s l"r's0+p +nstr!2te' t0e A!r- t0atB T0e- )!st 2"ns+'er t0e ,""k as a 10"le3 n"t sele2t+n& passa&es 0ere an' t0ere an'3 keep+n& t0e+r #eet "n t0e &r"!n'3 n"t e;er2+s+n& F!est+"ns "# taste "r t0e #!n2t+"ns "# a 2ens"r. T0e #+rst F!est+"n3 a#ter p!,l+2at+"n 1asB 1as t0e ,""k ",s2eneK $as +ts e##e2t taken as a 10"le t" ten' t" 'eprave an' 2"rr!pt pers"ns 10" 1ere l+kel-3 0av+n& re&ar' t" all t0e 2+r2!)stan2es3 t" rea' +tK T" 'eprave )eant t" )ake )"rall- ,a'3 t" pervert3 t" 'e,ase "r 2"rr!pt )"rall-. T" 2"rr!pt )eant t" ren'er )"rall- !ns"!n' "r r"tten3 t" 'estr"- t0e )"ral p!r+t- "r 20ast+t-3 t" pervert "r r!+n a &""' F!al+t-3 t" 'e,ase3 t" 'e#+le. N" +ntent t" 'eprave "r 2"rr!pt 1as ne2essar-. T0e )ere #a2t t0at t0e A!r- )+&0t ,e s0"2ke' an' '+s&!ste' ,- t0e ,""k 1"!l' n"t s"lve t0e F!est+"n. A!t0"rs 0a' a r+&0t t" e;press t0e)selves ,!t

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pe"ple 1+t0 str"n& v+e1s 1ere st+ll )e),ers "# t0e 2"))!n+t- an' !n'er an ",l+&at+"n t" "t0ers n"t t" 0ar) t0e) )"rall-3 p0-s+2all- "r sp+r+t!all-. T0e A!ras )en an' 1")en "# t0e 1"rl'3 n"t pr!'+s0 ,!t 1+t0 l+,eral )+n's3 s0"!l' ask t0e)selves 1as t0e ten'en2- "# t0e ,""k t" 'eprave an' 2"rr!pt t0"se l+kel- t" rea' +t3 n"t "nl- t0"se rea'+n& !n'er &!+'an2e +n t0e rare#+e' at)"sp0ere "# s")e e'!2at+"nal +nst+t!t+"n3 ,!t als" t0"se 10" 2"!l' ,!t0e ,""k #"r t0ree s0+ll+n&s an' s+; pen2e "r &et +t #r") t0e p!,l+2 l+,rar-3 p"ss+,l- 1+t0"!t ankn"1le'&e "# La1ren2e an' 1+t0 l+ttle kn"1le'&e "# l+terat!re. I# t0e A!r- 1ere sat+s#+e' ,e-"n' reas"na,le '"!,t t0at t0e ,""k 1as ",s2ene3 t0e)!st t0en 2"ns+'er t0e F!est+"n "# +ts ,e+n& A!st+#+e' #"r p!,l+2 &""' +n t0e +nterest "# s2+en2e3 l+terat!re3 art "r learn+n& "r "t0er s!,Ae2ts "# &eneral 2"n2ern. L+terar- )er+ts 1ere n"t s!##+2+ent t" save t0e ,""k3 +t )!st ,e A!st+#+e' as ,e+n& #"r t0e p!,l+2 &""'. T0e ,""k 1as n"t t" ,e A!'&e' ,- 2")par+s"n 1+t0 "t0er ,""ks. I# +t 1as ",s2ene t0en +# t0e 'e#en'ant 0as esta,l+s0e' t0e pr",a,+l+t- t0at t0e )er+ts "# t0e ,""k as a n"vel 1ere s" 0+&0 t0at t0e- "!t,alan2e' t0e ",s2en+t- s" t0at t0e p!,l+2at+"n 1as t0e p!,l+2 &""'3 t0e A!r- s0"!l' a2F!+t./ 1I. Later3 t0+s C"!rt +n Sa!aresh Bose Gs!praH3 re#err+n& t" t0e %en&al+ n"vel .PraAapat+/ 1r+tten ,- Sa)ares0 %"se3 ",serve' as #"ll"1s B4 .:7. .................. $e are n"t sat+s#+e' "n rea'+n& t0e ,""k t0at +t 2"!l' ,e 2"ns+'ere' t" ,e ",s2ene. Re#eren2e t" k+ss+n&3 'es2r+pt+"n "# t0e ,"'- an' t0e #+&!res "# t0e #e)ale 20ara2ters +n t0e ,""k an' s!&&est+"ns "# a2ts "# se; ,- t0e)selves )a- n"t 0ave t0e e##e2t "# 'eprav+n&3 'e,as+n& an'

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en2"!ra&+n& t0e rea'ers "# an- a&e t" las2+v+"!sness an' t0e n"vel "n t0ese 2"!nts3 )a- n"t ,e 2"ns+'ere' t" ,e ",s2ene. It +s tr!e t0at slan& an' var+"!s !n2"nvent+"nal 1"r's 0ave ,een !se' +n t0e ,""k. T0"!&0 t0ere +s n" 'es2r+pt+"n "# an- "vert a2t "# se;3 t0ere 2an ,e n" '"!,t t0at t0ere are s!&&est+"ns "# se; a2ts an' t0at a &reat 'eal "# e)p0as+s "n t0e aspe2t "# se; +n t0e l+ves "# pers"ns +n var+"!s sp0eres "# s"2+et- an' a)"n&st var+"!s 2lasses "# pe"ple3 +s t" ,e #"!n' +n t0e n"vel. %e2a!se "# t0e lan&!a&e !se'3 t0e ep+s"'es +n relat+"n t" se; l+#e narrate' +n t0e n"vel3 appear v!l&ar an' )a- 2reate a #eel+n& "# '+s&!st an' rev!ls+"n. T0e )ere #a2t t0at t0e var+"!s a##a+rs an' ep+s"'es 1+t0 e)p0as+s "n se; 0ave ,een narrate' +n slan& an' v!l&ar lan&!a&e )a- s0"2k a rea'er 10" )a- #eel '+s&!ste' ,- t0e ,""k '"es n"t res"lve t0e F!est+"n "# ",s2en+t-.............../ $e 0ave alrea'- +n'+2ate'3 t0+s 1as t0e 2"nte)p"rarstan'ar' +n t0e -ear 19I7. 19. $e are3 +n t0+s 2ase3 2"n2erne' 1+t0 a s+t!at+"n "# t0e -ear 199?3 ,!t 1e are +n 681? an' 10+le A!'&+n& as t" 10et0er a part+2!lar p0"t"&rap03 an art+2le "r ,""k +s ",s2ene3 re&ar' )!st ,e 0a' t" t0e 2"nte)p"rar- )"res an' nat+"nal stan'ar's an' n"t t0e stan'ar' "# a &r"!p "# s!s2ept+,le "r sens+t+ve pers"ns. HICKLIN TEST$

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68. In t0e Un+te' =+n&'")3 1a- ,a2k +n 1I>I3 t0e C"!rt la+' '"1n t0e H+2kl+n test +n Re%ina v. &i'klin G1I>I L.R. 6 L.%. :>8H3 an' 0el' as #"ll"1s B4 .T0e test "# ",s2en+t- +s 10et0er t0e ten'en2- "# t0e )atter 20ar&e' as ",s2en+t- +s t" 'eprave an' 2"rr!pt t0"se 10"se )+n's are "pen t" s!20 +))"ral +n#l!en2es an' +nt" 10"se 0an's a p!,l+2at+"n "# t0+s s"rt )a- #all./ 61. H+2kl+n test p"st!late' t0at a p!,l+2at+"n 0as t" ,e A!'&e' #"r ",s2en+t- ,ase' "n +s"late' passa&es "# a 1"rk 2"ns+'ere' "!t "# 2"nte;t an' A!'&e' ,- t0e+r apparent +n#l!en2e "n )"st s!s2ept+,le rea'ers3 s!20 as 20+l'ren "r 1eak4)+n'e' a'!lts. Un+te' States3 0"1ever3 )a'e a

)arke' 'epart!re. O# late3 +t #elt t0at t0e H+2kl+n test +s n"t 2"rre2t test t" appl- t" A!'&e 10at +s ",s2en+t-. In Roth v. United States :7? U.S. ?E> G197EH3 t0e S!pre)e C"!rt "# Un+te' States '+re2tl- 'ealt 1+t0 t0e +ss!e "# ",s2en+t- as an e;2ept+"n t" #ree'") "# spee20 an' e;press+"n. T0e C"!rt

0el' t0at t0e reAe2t+"n "# .",s2en+t-/ 1as +)pl+2+t +n t0e F+rst A)en')ent. N"t+2+n& t0at se; an' ",s2en+t- 1ere 0el' n"t t" ,e s-n"n-)"!s 1+t0 ea20 "t0er3 t0e C"!rt 0el' t0at "nl-

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t0"se se;4relate' )ater+als 10+20 0a' t0e ten'en2- "# .e;2+t+n& l!st#!l t0"!&0ts/ 1ere #"!n' t" ,e ",s2ene an' t0e sa)e 0as t" ,e A!'&e' #r") t0e p"+nt "# v+e1 "# an avera&e pers"n ,- appl-+n& 2"nte)p"rar- 2"))!n+t- stan'ar's. 66. In Cana'a als"3 t0e )aA"r+t- 0el' +n Brodie v. The ("een G19>6 SCR >I1H t0at D.H. La1ren2e@s n"vel .La'C0atterle-@s L"ver/ 1as n"t ",s2ene 1+t0+n t0e )ean+n& "# t0e Cana'+an Cr+)+nal C"'e 6:. T0e S!pre)e C"!rt "# Cana'a +n Re%ina v. B"tler G1996H 1 SCR ?763 0el' t0at t0e '")+nant test +s t0e .2"))!n+t- stan'ar's pr",le)s test/. T0e C"!rt 0el' t0at

e;pl+2+t se; t0at +s n"t v+"lent an' ne+t0er 'e&ra'+n& n"r 'e0!)an+*+n& +s &enerall- t"lerate' +n t0e Cana'+an s"2+etan' 1+ll n"t F!al+#- as t0e !n'!e e;pl"+tat+"n "# se; !nless +t e)pl"-s 20+l'ren +n +ts pr"'!2t+"n. T0e C"!rt 0el'3 +n "r'er

#"r t0e 1"rk "r )ater+al t" F!al+#- as D",s2ene@3 t0e e;pl"+tat+"n "# se; )!st n"t "nl,e a '")+nant

20ara2ter+st+23 ,!t s!20 e;pl"+tat+"n )!st ,e .!n'!e/. Earl+er +n To)ne Cine!a Theatres Ltd. v. The ("een

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G19I7H 1 SCR ?9?3 t0e Cana'+an C"!rt appl+e' t0e

2"))!n+t- stan'ar' test an' n"t H+2kl+n test. COMMUNIT# STANDARD TEST$ 6?. $e are als" "# t0e v+e1 t0at H+2kl+n test +s n"t t0e 2"rre2t test t" ,e appl+e' t" 'eter)+ne .10at +s ",s2en+t-/. Se2t+"n 696 "# t0e In'+an Penal C"'e3 "# 2"!rse3 !ses t0e e;press+"n Dlas2+v+"!s an' pr!r+ent +nterests@ "r +ts e##e2t. Later3 +t 0as als" ,een +n'+2ate' +n t0e sa+' Se2t+"n "# t0e appl+2a,+l+t- "# t0e e##e2t an' t0e ne2ess+t- "# tak+n& t0e +te)s as a 10"le an' "n t0at #"!n'at+"n 10ere s!20 +te)s 1"!l' ten' t" 'eprave an' 2"rr!pt pers"ns 10" are l+kel-3 0av+n& re&ar' t" all t0e relevant 2+r2!)stan2es3 t" rea'3 see "r 0ear t0e )atter 2"nta+ne' "r e),"'+e' +n +t. $e 0ave3 t0ere#"re3 t" appl- t0e .2"))!n+t- stan'ar' test/ rat0er t0an .H+2kl+n test/ t" 'eter)+ne 10at +s .",s2en+t-/. A ,are rea'+n& "# S!,4se2t+"n G1H "# Se2t+"n 696 3 )akes 2lear t0at a p+2t!re "r art+2le s0all ,e 'ee)e' t" ,e ",s2ene G+H +# +t +s las2+v+"!sM G++H +t appeals t" t0e pr!r+ent +nterest3 an' G+++H +t

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ten's t" 'eprave an' 2"rr!pt pers"ns 10" are l+kel- t" rea'3 see "r 0ear t0e )atter3 alle&e' t" ,e ",s2ene. On2e t0e

)atter +s #"!n' t" ,e ",s2ene3 t0e F!est+"n )a- ar+se as t" 10et0er t0e +)p!&ne' )atter #alls 1+t0+n an- "# t0e e;2ept+"ns 2"nta+ne' +n Se2t+"n. A p+2t!re "# a n!'eJse)+4 n!'e 1")an3 as s!203 2ann"t per se ,e 2alle' ",s2ene !nless +t 0as t0e ten'en2- t" ar"!se #eel+n& "r reveal+n& an "vert se;!al 'es+re. T0e p+2t!re s0"!l' ,e s!&&est+ve "#

'eprave )+n' an' 'es+&ne' t" e;2+te se;!al pass+"n +n pers"ns 10" are l+kel- t" see +t3 10+20 1+ll 'epen' "n t0e part+2!lar p"st!re an' t0e ,a2k&r"!n' +n 10+20 t0e

n!'eJse)+4n!'e 1")an +s 'ep+2te'. Onl- t0"se se;4relate' )ater+als 10+20 0ave a ten'en2- "# .e;2+t+n& l!st#!l

t0"!&0ts/ 2an ,e 0el' t" ,e ",s2ene3 ,!t t0e ",s2en+t- 0as t" ,e A!'&e' #r") t0e p"+nt "# v+e1 "# an avera&e pers"n3 ,appl-+n& 2"nte)p"rar- 2"))!n+t- stan'ar's. MESSAGE AND CONTE%T 67. $e 0ave t" e;a)+ne t0e F!est+"n "# ",s2en+t- +n t0e 2"nte;t +n 10+20 t0e p0"t"&rap0 appears an' t0e )essa&e +t

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1ants t" 2"nve-. In Bo## Art *nternational + Ors. v.

O! Pal Sin%h &oon G199>H ? SCC 13 t0+s C"!rt 10+le 'eal+n& 1+t0 t0e F!est+"n "# ",s2en+t- +n t0e 2"nte;t "# #+l) 2alle' %an'+t L!een p"+nte' "!t t0at t0e s"42alle'

",Ae2t+"na,le s2enes +n t0e #+l) 0ave t" ,e 2"ns+'ere' +n t0e 2"nte;t "# t0e )essa&e t0at t0e #+l) 1as seek+n& t" trans)+t +n respe2t "# s"2+al )ena2e "# t"rt!re an' v+"len2e a&a+nst a 0elpless #e)ale 20+l' 10+20 trans#"r)e' 0er +nt" a 'rea'e' 'a2"+t. T0e C"!rt e;presse' t0e #"ll"1+n& v+e1 B4 .F+rst3 t0e s2ene 10ere s0e +s 0!)+l+ate'3 str+ppe' nake'3 para'e'3 )a'e t" 'ra1 1ater #r") t0e 1ell3 1+t0+n t0e 2+r2le "# a 0!n're' )en. T0e e;p"s!re "# 0er ,reasts an' &en+tal+a t" t0"se )en +s +nten'e' ,- t0"se 10" str+p 0er t" 'e)ean 0er. T0e e##e2t "# s" '"+n& !p"n 0er 2"!l' 0ar'l- 0ave ,een ,etter 2"nve-e' t0an ,- e;pl+2+tl- s0"1+n& t0e s2ene. T0e ",Ae2t "# '"+n& s" 1as n"t t" t+t+llate t0e 2+ne)a&"er@s l!st ,!t t" ar"!se +n 0+) s-)pat0- #"r t0e v+2t+) an' '+s&!st #"r t0e perpetrat"rs. T0e rev!ls+"n t0at t0e Tr+,!nal re#erre' t" 1as n"t at P0""lan Dev+@s n!'+t- ,!t at t0e sa'+s) an' 0eartlessness "# t0"se 10" 0a' str+ppe' 0er nake' t" r", 0er "# ever- s0re' "# '+&n+t-. Nake'ness '"es n"t al1a-s ar"!se t0e ,aser +nst+n2t. T0e re#eren2e ,- t0e Tr+,!nal t" t0e #+l) .S20+n'ler@s L+st/ 1as apt. T0ere +s a s2ene +n +t "# r"1s "# nake' )en an' 1")en3 s0"1n #r"ntall-3 ,e+n& le' +nt" t0e &as 20a),ers "# a Na*+ 2"n2entrat+"n 2a)p. N"t "nl- are t0e- a,"!t t" '+e ,!t t0e- 0ave ,een str+ppe' +n

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t0e+r last )")ents "# t0e ,as+2 '+&n+t- "# 0!)an ,e+n&s. Tears are a l+kel- rea2t+"nM p+t-3 0"rr"r an' a #ell"14#eel+n& "# s0a)e are 2erta+n3 e;2ept +n t0e pervert 10" )+&0t ,e ar"!se'. $e '" n"t 2ens"r t" pr"te2t t0e pervert "r t" ass!a&e t0e s!s2ept+,+l+t+es "# t0e "ver4sens+t+ve. .%an'+t L!een/ tells a p"1er#!l 0!)an st"r- an' t" t0at st"r- t0e s2ene "# P0""lan Dev+@s en#"r2e' nake' para'e +s 2entral. It 0elps t" e;pla+n 10- P0""lan Dev+ ,e2a)e 10at s0e '+'B 0er ra&e an' ven'etta a&a+nst t0e s"2+et- t0at 0a' 0eape' +n'+&n+t+es !p"n 0er./ NE)p0as+s S!ppl+e'O 6>. In Aja ,os)a!i v. Union of *ndia G688EH 1 SCC 1?:3

10+le e;a)+n+n& t0e s2"pe "# Se2t+"n 696 IPC an' Se2t+"ns :3 ? an' > "# t0e In'e2ent Representat+"n "# $")en GPr"0+,+t+"nH A2t3 19I>3 t0+s C"!rt 0el' t0at t0e 2"))+t)ent t" #ree'") "# e;press+"n 'e)an's t0at +t 2ann"t ,e s!ppresse'3 !nless t0e s+t!at+"ns 2reate' ,- +t all"1+n& t0e #ree'") are press+n& an' t0e 2"))!n+t- +nterest +s en'an&ere'. 6E. $e 0ave t" e;a)+ne 10et0er t0e p0"t"&rap0 "# %"r+s %e2ker 1+t0 0+s #+an25e %ar,ara F!lt!s3 a 'ark4sk+nne' la'stan'+n& 2l"se t" ea20 "t0er ,are ,"'+e' ,!t 2"ver+n& t0e ,reast "# 0+s #+an25e 1+t0 0+s 0an's 2an ,e state' t" ,e

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",Ae2t+"na,le +n t0e sense +t v+"lates Se2t+"n 696 IPC. Appl-+n& t0e 2"))!n+t- t"leran2e test3 1e are n"t prepare' t" sa- s!20 a p0"t"&rap0 +s s!&&est+ve "# 'eprave )+n's an' 'es+&ne' t" e;2+te se;!al pass+"n +n pers"ns 10" are l+kel- t" l""k at t0e) an' see t0e)3 10+20 1"!l' 'epen' !p"n t0e part+2!lar p"st!re an' ,a2k&r"!n' +n 10+20 t0e 1")an +s 'ep+2te' "r s0"1n. %reast "# %ar,ara F!lt!s 0as

,een #!ll- 2"vere' 1+t0 t0e ar) "# %"r+s %e2ker3 a p0"t"&rap03 "# 2"!rse3 se)+4n!'e3 ,!t taken ,- n"ne "t0er t0an t0e #at0er "# %ar,ara. F!rt0er3 t0e p0"t"&rap03 +n "!r v+e13 0as n" ten'en2- t" 'eprave "r 2"rr!pt t0e )+n's "# pe"ple +n 10"se 0an's t0e )a&a*+ne Sp"rts $"rl' "r Anan'a,a*ar Patr+ka 1"!l' #all. 6I. $e )a- als" +n'+2ate t0at t0e sa+' p+2t!re 0as t" ,e v+e1e' +n t0e ,a2k&r"!n' +n 10+20 +t 1as s0"1n3 an' t0e )essa&e +t 0as t" 2"nve- t" t0e p!,l+2 an' t0e 1"rl' at lar&e. T0e 2"ver st"r- "# t0e Ma&a*+ne 2arr+es t0e t+tle3

p"s+n& n!'e3 'r"pp+n& "# 0arass)ent3 ,attl+n& ra2+s) +n (er)an-. %"r+s %e2ker 0+)sel# +n t0e art+2le p!,l+s0e' +n t0e

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(er)an )a&a*+ne3 speaks "# t0e ra2+al '+s2r+)+nat+"n prevalent +n (er)an- an' t0e art+2le 0+&0l+&0ts %"r+s %e2ker@s pr"tests a&a+nst ra2+s) +n (er)an-. 0+)sel# p!ts +t3 as F!"te' +n t0e sa+' art+2leB .t0e n!'e p0"t"s 1ere s!pp"se' t" s0"2k3 n" '"!,t a,"!t +t....... $0at I a) sa-+n& 1+t0 t0ese p0"t"s +s t0at an +nter4ra2+al relat+"ns0+p +s "ka-./ 69. T0e )essa&e3 t0e p0"t"&rap0 1ants t" 2"nve- +s t0at t0e 2"l"!r "# sk+n )atters l+ttle an' l"ve 20a)p+"ns "ver 2"l"!r. P+2t!re pr")"tes l"ve a##a+r3 lea'+n& t" a )arr+a&e3 %"r+s %e2ker

,et1een a 10+te4sk+nne' )an an' a ,la2k sk+nne' 1")an. :8. $e s0"!l'3 t0ere#"re3 appre2+ate t0e p0"t"&rap0 an' t0e art+2le +n t0e l+&0t "# t0e )essa&e +t 1ants t" 2"nve-3 t0at +s t" era'+2ate t0e ev+l "# ra2+s) an' apart0e+' +n t0e s"2+et- an' t" pr")"te l"ve an' )arr+a&e ,et1een 10+te sk+nne' )an an' a ,la2k sk+nne' 1")an. $0en v+e1e' +n

t0at an&le3 1e are n"t prepare' t" sa- t0at t0e p+2t!re "r t0e art+2le 10+20 1as repr"'!2e' ,- Sp"rts $"rl' an' t0e Anan'a,a*ar Patr+ka ,e sa+' t" ,e ",Ae2t+"na,le s" as t" +n+t+ate pr"2ee'+n&s !n'er Se2t+"n 696 IPC "r !n'er Se2t+"n

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? "# t0e In'e2ent Representat+"n "# $")en GPr"0+,+t+"nH A2t3 19I>. :1. $e 0ave #"!n' t0at n" "##en2e 0as ,een 2"))+tte' !n'er Se2t+"n 696 IPC an' t0en t0e F!est+"n 10et0er +t #alls +n t0e #+rst part "# Se2t+"n E9 IPC 0as ,e2")e a2a'e)+2. $e are s"rr- t" n"te t0at t0e learne' Ma&+strate3 1+t0"!t pr"per appl+2at+"n "# )+n' "r appre2+at+"n "# ,a2k&r"!n' +n 10+20 t0e p0"t"&rap0 0as ,een s0"1n3 pr"p"se' t" +n+t+ate pr"se2!t+"n pr"2ee'+n&s a&a+nst t0e Appellants. Learne' Ma&+strate s0"!l' 0ave e;er2+se' 0+s 1+s'") "n t0e ,as+s "# A!'+2+al pre2e'ents +n t0e event "# 10+20 0e 1"!l' n"t 0ave "r'ere' t0e Appellants t" #a2e t0e tr+al. T0e H+&0 C"!rt3 +n "!r v+e13 s0"!l' 0ave e;er2+se' p"1ers !n'er Se2t+"n ?I6 Cr.P.C. t" se2!re t0e en's "# A!st+2e. :6. $e are3 t0ere#"re3 +n2l+ne' t" all"1 t0+s appeal an' set as+'e t0e 2r+)+nal pr"2ee'+n&s +n+t+ate' a&a+nst t0e

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