In a scathing rebuke of the Patna High Court’s leniency, the Supreme Court on Monday cancelled the bail granted a former superintendent of a Patna-based women’s remand home, who is accused of enabling the sexual exploitation of female inmates and allowing unauthorized male access into the care facility.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed Gupta to surrender within four weeks, setting aside the Patna High Court’s January 18, 2024 bail order that lacked proper reasoning and violated statutory safeguards for the victim under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
“This is clearly a case where a person put in the role of a saviour has turned into a devil,” the court observed, strongly condemning Gupta’s alleged conduct while heading the Gai Ghaat remand home in Patna.
Court Decries ‘Travesty of Justice’
Citing the gravity of the charges — which include systematic sexual exploitation, mental torture, and abuse of authority — the top court held that the high court’s bail order amounted to a “travesty of justice.” It further noted that the release of the accused posed a serious threat to the trial’s integrity and could lead to witness intimidation.
“It is trite that bail once granted should not be cancelled ordinarily, but where the facts are so grave that they shake the conscience of the Court… the courts are not powerless,” the bench remarked.
Allegations of Abuse and Exploitation
The case came to light after two inmates escaped from the Uttar Raksha Grih, Gai Ghaat, and lodged complaints alleging horrific abuse. The victim who moved the Supreme Court stated that Gupta administered intoxicating drugs and injections to inmates, sending them to “jobs” where they were allegedly sexually assaulted by influential individuals. Male outsiders were also reportedly allowed into the home to exploit the girls.
The victim also belongs to a Scheduled Caste, and the court noted that the Patna High Court had violated Section 15A(3) of the SC/ST Act by failing to give her notice or hear her before granting bail — a mandatory legal requirement.
Further Orders for Protection
In light of the ongoing threats and trauma suffered by victims, the Supreme Court also directed the concerned trial court and district administration to ensure proper protection and support to the survivors.
The Patna High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter in February and ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. However, the Supreme Court was dismayed to learn that Gupta had been appointed to another care home soon after securing bail.
