Delhi High Court convicts man, rejects clothing as justification for sexual harassment

The Delhi High Court has overturned a prior acquittal and convicted a man, Sajid Ali, for the sexual harassment of his neighbor. The court ruled that a woman’s choice of clothing is a matter of personal autonomy and cannot be used to justify, excuse, or question unlawful conduct.

Justice Chandrasekharan Sudha criticized the defense’s attempt to link the victim’s attire, specifically her wearing jeans, to the alleged offense. The court rejected the argument that certain clothing could “corrupt young boys,” describing such a mindset as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.” The judge noted that instead of controlling women's clothing, society and parents should teach children to respect personal boundaries and regulate their own conduct.

Furthermore, the High Court condemned the cross-examination of the complainant as “wholly irrelevant and improper,” stating that questions regarding her religion, local customs, and western clothing were intended to humiliate and morally judge her. The ruling emphasized that neither neighbors, society, nor legal counsel have the right to dictate a woman's clothing or use attire as a basis for character assassination.