A Delhi court on Wednesday issued summons to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain following a complaint by a woman who alleged rape and criminal intimidation. The court acknowledged the alleged offence and ordered the former Union Minister to appear on 20 October.
“This court, after reviewing the cancellation report, the complainant’s protest petition, the investigating officer’s reply to the protest petition, and other evidence is of the opinion that the complainant has provided consistent statements to the police, the court in her application, and before the learned Magistrate in her statement under section 164 Cr.PC,” the court stated.
The police submitted a report seeking the cancellation of the FIR. However, the judge dismissed the police report, noting that the issues raised by the investigating officer could be determined during the trial. The judge also emphasised that the complainant’s credibility could only be assessed during the trial when she is cross-examined by the accused. The judge took cognisance of alleged offences, including sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation), as punishable under various provisions of the IPC.