While granting bail to a 23-year-old influencer accused of raping a 40-year-old woman, the Supreme Court said, "One hand cannot clap"

The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to a 23-year-old influencer accused of raping a 40-year-old woman, noting that charges have not been framed against him despite being in jail for nine months and observed that the victim is not a child and does not clap with one hand. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma also asked how the Delhi Police could register a rape case against the social media influencer when the woman had accompanied him voluntarily. "One hand does not clap," the bench said. On what basis have you (Delhi Police) registered a case under Section 376 of the IPC? She's not a child. She is a 40-year-old woman. They went to Jammu together. Why have you imposed Section 376? This woman goes to Jammu seven times and the husband has no objection? "
The top court said it was a fit case for grant of interim bail as the accused has been in jail for nine months and the charges have not been framed. The court directed that the accused be produced before a subordinate court and granted interim bail subject to conditions. The bench said it will not misuse its liberty and try to contact the woman. The top court also commented on the accused and asked, "Who is affected by such people? "
The top court was hearing a plea filed by the accused youth against an order of the Delhi High Court. Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the court refused to grant him bail. According to the police complaint, the woman first came in contact with the accused through social media in 2021 when she was looking for a social media influencer to promote her clothing brand. During the initial conversation, the accused allegedly requested for an iPhone to make the promotional material look impressive, which he made available through an authorised 'Apple Store' in Jammu. However, their professional relationship soured after the accused tried to sell the iPhone. The authorised seller returned the money to the woman's account after deducting Rs 20,000. However, the accused promised to return the money, but after some time, the woman decided to end all ties with him, the complaint said. The man went to the woman's house in Noida in December 2021 to return Rs 20,000 and apologise. He then convinced the woman to travel to Connaught Place to shoot a promotional material. During the journey, the accused allegedly gave her sweets laced with sedatives and she fell unconscious. The accused allegedly took the woman to a secluded area behind the hospital and sexually assaulted her, stole money from her purse and clicked her obscene pictures.