Chhattisgarh HC grants anticipatory bail to radiologist, flags motivated allegations

Raipur: A Bhilai-based radiologist accused of molestation has been granted anticipatory bail by the Chhattisgarh High Court. Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha observed the circumstances that led to the complaint and cautioned against the misuse of criminal law in cases where allegations may be motivated.

The court noted that the complainant, a pregnant woman, had allegedly asked the doctor to conduct a fetal or embryo examination, a procedure expressly prohibited under existing laws aimed at preventing sex selection. The doctor’s refusal to carry out the unlawful test in keeping with his professional and legal obligations appeared to be the reason behind the subsequent complaint, the court observed. 

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During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the doctor had taken the complainant behind a curtain and touched her inappropriately. However, the High Court noted that the case diary suggested a different chain of events.

As per news reports by TOI, the Chief Justice held that, prima facie, the version placed before the court suggested the allegations were "false and motivated" and seemingly lodged "as an afterthought, solely with the intent to harass and malign the applicant."

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Stressing that its findings were preliminary and restricted to the stage of deciding bail, the High Court ruled that the circumstances justified granting the radiologist protection from arrest.