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Ernakulam: In a temporary relief for rapper Vedan who is accused of sexual assault, the Kerala high court which is hearing the case has prevented the arrest till the arguments are completed.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas also permitted the complainant, a young doctor who levelled the allegation, to be impleaded as a party-respondent in the proceedings. The case was registered under Sections 376 [punishment for rape] and 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code.
The complainant had alleged that Vedan raped her on the false promise of marriage. During the hearing, her counsel submitted that two other crimes had also been registered against the rapper based on complaints from two other women alleging similar offences, and urged that he be treated as a 'habitual offender'. The court, however, observed orally that "each crime will have to be considered on the basis of the merits of that case."
The complainant counsel alleged that Vedan is accused in other cases related to sexual assault. However, the judge asked the counsel whether he had any proof to substantiate his statements.
“Can sexual acts during a mutual relationship called as sexual assault”?, asked the HC judge.
Vedan’s counsel argued in the court that his client is innocent and that the relationship between Vedan and the complainant was on mutual trust and they had consensual sexual relationship and there is no sexual assault involved as alleged by the complainant.
According to the complaint, the doctor met Vedan through Instagram, after which they exchanged phone numbers. She alleged that he promised to marry her and they engaged in a physical relationship on several occasions. In his bail plea, Vedan argued that the relationship was consensual and that the complaint arose from personal differences.
