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The court also directed the man to plant and cultivate 50 trees locally at his own expense, and asked case investigators to ensure the trees are planted and submit a compliance report.
The high court also fined the man Rs 25,000 and said he must realize that he cannot take the court's decision for granted and that he cannot get away with the crime by settling with the victim.
The Delhi High Court directed a man to perform community service in hospitals, orphanages and nursing homes for three months while quashing an FIR against him for allegedly sending obscene messages to a woman, saying he must “atone” for his sins.
The high court also fined the man Rs 25,000 and said he must realize that he cannot take the court's verdict for granted and that he cannot get away with the crime by settling with the victim.
In addition, the court directed the man to plant and cultivate 50 trees locally at his own expense, and asked case investigators to ensure the trees are planted and submit a compliance report.
“Considering the nature of the crime, this court is of the view that the complainant (male) cannot be allowed to go scot-free just because the complainant (female) decided to settle with him. The petitioner must atone for his sins…” Justice Subramoni M Prasad said.
The court imposed the fees on him to prevent him from committing such offenses in the future and said the money would be deposited into the Armed Forces Combat Casualties Welfare Fund within four weeks.
While directing the man to perform community service, the court said he should perform his duties at Jyotiba Phule Old Age Home, LNJP Hospital and Udayan Care Orphanage in Mayur Vihar for one month each, after which he should submit a compliance report.
The court said that if the man is absent from work, neglects his duties or misbehaves during this period, the situation should be conveyed to the relevant police, who will notify the prosecutor to revoke the order.
The court was dealing with the man's plea seeking quashing of the FIR on the ground that he and the woman had resolved their dispute amicably and she had no objection if the case was concluded.
The court quashed the FIR registered in 2014 against the man, who was found guilty under sections 509 (words, gestures or conduct with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman) and 67A (for publication or dissemination of obscene material in India) of the Indian Penal Code punishment) crime.
(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)
