A Delhi court has convicted an individual under Sections 506 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal intimidation and insulting the modesty of a woman by calling her ‘R**di’ (Sex Worker) and issuing threats of sexual violence. The judgment was delivered on July 15, 2025, by Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Harjot Singh Aujla at the Dwarka Courts, South West Delhi.
Background of the Case
The case pertains to an incident on June 6, 2021, in Janakpuri, New Delhi, where the complainant, a local resident, reported harassment by the accused. According to her statement, the accused repeatedly called her on the phone, knocked forcefully at her door, and used abusive and sexually explicit language, including calling her ‘R**di’ and threatening rape and murder.
The complainant testified that the accused said over the phone, “Darwaja khol de mujhe tere saath sex karna hai” and later threatened, “Darwaja khol de nahi to tere saath accha nahi hoga tujhe goli maar dunga.” She further recounted that when she went to the local shop, the accused passed filthy comments, including “R**di tujhe mai bataunga bahut samajhdar apne to samajhti hai,” and once instigated another person to throw a brick at her while she was carrying her young daughter.
Arguments and Evidence
The prosecution presented oral and documentary evidence, including the complainant’s detailed testimony, the investigating officer’s statement, WhatsApp message records, and a Section 65B Indian Evidence Act certificate.
The defense argued that the allegations were false and arose from a dispute over unpaid rent. However, during his testimony, the accused admitted to sending messages to the complainant on the date of the incident, although he claimed they were related to the rent issue.
Court’s Analysis and Decision
The court found the complainant’s testimony “clear, cogent, reliable, and trustworthy,” noting that she remained consistent during cross-examination. It rejected the defense’s argument about the absence of other eyewitnesses, citing the legal principle that conviction can rest on the sole testimony of a credible witness.
Quoting legal precedents including Rupan Deol Bajaj v. K.P.S. Gill and State of Punjab v. Major Singh, the court emphasized that calling a woman ‘R**di’ is not a mere insult but a direct attack on her sexual dignity, casting aspersions on her character and suggesting promiscuity, which satisfies the requirements of Section 509 IPC.
Regarding the threats, the court held that explicit statements like “Darwaja nahi khola toh goli maar dunga” amount to criminal intimidation under Section 506 IPC.
The court concluded that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted the accused under Section 506 (Part II) and Section 509 IPC.
