The Delhi High Court refused to grant anticipatory bail to a woman who poured boiling water mixed with red chili powder on her sleeping husband. The police have filed an attempted culpable homicide case against her. The court emphasized that criminal laws related to life-threatening injuries are gender-neutral.
While hearing the case, the court stated, “The hallmark of a fair and just legal system is to remain gender-neutral when deciding cases like the present one. If a woman inflicts such injuries, she cannot be placed in a special category. Crimes involving life-threatening injuries must be dealt with strictly, regardless of whether the perpetrator is male or female, as every individual’s life and dignity are equally valuable.”
The court further noted that this case highlights a broader societal issue where men who face violence from their wives often encounter unique challenges, such as social disbelief and stigma attached to being seen as victims. Such stereotypes perpetuate the misconception that men cannot be victims of violence in domestic relationships. Therefore, courts must adopt a gender-neutral approach in such cases to ensure equal treatment for both men and women.