Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Man Accused of Abusing Daughter for Over a Decade
The Delhi High Court has denied bail to a man accused of sexually abusing his biological daughter for over a decade, starting when she was around six years old. In a verdict released last month, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma rejected the bail plea, citing a sustained pattern of abuse, control, and psychological trauma inflicted on the victim, who is now 17 years old.
The accused faces multiple serious charges, including rape, criminal intimidation, and sexual harassment under the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The prosecution's case is based on an FIR registered by his daughter.
According to the victim, the abuse continued for over ten years, even when her mother was at home. She alleged that her father threatened her to keep her silent and took steps to conceal evidence. The ongoing abuse led to severe psychological trauma, self-harm, and diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative identity disorder (DID).
The case came to light after the victim filed a complaint following an episode of abuse in January. The Delhi Police subsequently arrested the father in February.
In his petition before the high court, the accused, represented by advocate Monesh Kumar Sharma, maintained his innocence. He argued that his interactions with his daughter were normal and claimed the criminal proceedings were instigated due to ongoing matrimonial discord with his wife.
The Delhi Police, represented by additional public prosecutor Naresh Kumar Chahar, strongly opposed the bail plea. The prosecution argued that the victim's medical diagnoses of PTSD and DID were consistent with the trauma resulting from sustained, long-term sexual abuse.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma noted that, prima facie, the allegations disclosed a continuing course of conduct rather than a single isolated incident. The court emphasized that the applicant is the biological father of the victim, who was of tender age and under his direct influence and control during the period of the alleged abuse.
