In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has rejected the bail plea of a woman accused of stabbing her husband to death. The court stated that being a woman should not be considered a criterion for granting bail in such cases.
The accused, Dilli Rani, allegedly slit her husband’s throat after he confronted her about an illicit affair. Justice Mohammad Nawaz, who headed the bench, delivered the order on Monday while reviewing Rani’s petition.
Rani has been in judicial custody since September 2022 and had challenged the rejection of her bail plea by the 63rd Additional Civil and Sessions Court.
Despite the defense counsel’s argument that Rani should be granted bail due to her gender, the court dismissed this claim. The bench maintained that Rani’s injuries from the incident prevented her from being considered innocent. Furthermore, three witnesses confirmed the illicit affair between Rani and the second accused in the case. The court also noted that the accused had injured herself after the incident and concealed her jewelry to mislead the investigation.
The police recovered blood-stained earrings, a mangalya chain, and nightwear belonging to the accused. According to the minor son’s statement, he witnessed his father lying in a pool of blood after waking up. The court determined that there had been a fight between Rani and her deceased husband.
The court emphasized that the nature of the crime was grave and that bail could not be granted solely based on the accused’s gender.
Dilli Rani and her husband, R. Shankar Reddy, were married and had two children. Rani had engaged in an extramarital affair, and Reddy had moved his family from Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru for their children’s education. Allegedly, Rani and her lover conspired to kill Reddy. On February 24, 2022, Rani slit her husband’s throat while he was asleep, attempting to pass it off as a murder for financial gain.
The Yeshwanthpur police initially registered the case as a murder committed by strangers. However, they eventually cracked the case and arrested Dilli Rani and her lover.
This ruling by the Karnataka High Court serves as a reminder that gender should not be a determining factor when granting bail in cases involving heinous crimes. The court’s decision puts the focus on the seriousness of the offense rather than the gender of the accused. By upholding this principle, the court ensures that justice is not skewed based on gender biases.
It is crucial to note that this ruling highlights the need for a fair and impartial judicial system that treats all individuals equally, regardless of their gender. The decision sets a significant precedent and sends a clear message that the law should be applied without any gender-based discrimination.
While some may argue that women should receive leniency in certain circumstances, such as being primary caregivers or facing domestic abuse, it is essential to evaluate each case individually and consider all relevant factors. The court’s decision in this case emphasizes the importance of recognizing the severity of the crime committed and ensuring that justice is served accordingly.
Overall, the Karnataka High Court’s ruling reiterates the principle that being a woman should not grant automatic advantages when it comes to bail in criminal cases. By upholding this stance, the court affirms its commitment to a fair and unbiased judicial process, reinforcing the idea that justice should be blind to gender.
