In a twist that’s part courtroom drama and part sitcom, the Gujarat High Court has put the brakes on police action against Samir Roy, a Gandhinagar resident who found himself in hot water for what might be the world’s most awkward icebreaker.
The saga began when an unidentified woman lodged a complaint at Section 21 police station on April 26, accusing Roy of sexual harassment. According to the FIR, Roy had the audacity to ask for her name, address, and mobile number—an approach that might raise eyebrows but not quite to the level of criminal charges, argued the High Court.
Justice Nirzar Desai, while acknowledging that Roy’s questions could be considered “inappropriate” and “offending,” pointed out that they don’t exactly scream “sexual harassment.” In a courtroom moment that could be straight out of a sitcom, Desai mused, “If someone says ‘what is your number,’ it is offending, but not a good case for an FIR. Does it show any ill intention?”
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Roy’s defence? The FIR was a retaliatory move. He claimed it was a counter blast to his own complaint filed on April 25 against some policemen. Roy had alleged that he was detained, tortured, and relieved of his mobile phone, with some data conveniently deleted. His complaints to various forums against the policemen might have ruffled a few feathers, leading to the quick turnaround of an FIR against him.
The High Court’s intervention has temporarily halted the police’s enthusiasm, with Justice Desai staying any action against Roy and issuing a notice to the state government. The case is now set for its next dramatic courtroom episode.
In the meantime, it seems Roy’s brush with the law over a phone number will serve as a cautionary tale, perhaps next time, he’ll think twice before skipping the small talk.
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