Army Court Clears Doctor of Molestation Charges in Maharashtra
An Army court has exonerated a military doctor of molestation charges filed by a Major’s wife. The case started in 2022 when the woman visited a military hospital in Maharashtra for chest pain. The doctor, a Lieutenant Colonel, was accused of molestation a few days after the examination.
The doctor’s counsel, Anand Kumar, stated, “This was a case where a doctor with 19 years of service had to face a charge of molestation on a complaint filed by an officer’s wife. The GCM has rightly exonerated the Army Doctor of charges of molestation.”
The doctor faced two charges: molestation under Section 354 and not following procedures for examining female patients. While cleared of molestation, he was found guilty of the second charge and received a severe reprimand and a loss of 18 months of seniority for pension purposes.
Kumar mentioned that ensuring the presence of a female assistant during examinations is the commanding officer’s responsibility. The Military Court’s findings and orders are subject to confirmation by senior military authorities.
The court, presided over by a Colonel-rank officer, noted contradictions in the statements of the complainant and her mother. Other witnesses’ statements also did not match the complainant’s. The court validated the doctor’s examination methods, supported by expert witnesses.
Doubts Revealed
Army Court -: An Army Court is a special court that deals with legal issues and cases involving military personnel. It is different from regular courts because it follows military laws and rules.
Molestation Charges -: Molestation charges are serious accusations that someone has touched another person inappropriately without their consent. It is a form of sexual harassment.
Major -: A Major is a rank in the army. It is a position of authority and responsibility, higher than a Captain but lower than a Lieutenant Colonel.
Maharashtra -: Maharashtra is a state in western India. It is known for its capital city, Mumbai, which is the financial and entertainment hub of India.
Chest Pain Examination -: A chest pain examination is a medical check-up where a doctor examines a patient to find out the cause of chest pain. It can involve checking the heart, lungs, and other parts of the chest.
Reprimand -: A reprimand is a formal way of telling someone that they have done something wrong. It is like a serious warning.
Seniority for Pension Purposes -: Seniority for pension purposes means how long someone has worked in their job, which affects how much money they will get when they retire. Losing seniority means they will get less money.
Contradictions -: Contradictions are statements that do not match or agree with each other. If someone says two different things about the same event, it is a contradiction.
