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The Kerala High Court has acquitted former forest minister Dr. A Neelalohithadasan Nadar in a 2001 sexual harassment case, setting aside convictions by both the trial and appellate courts. Justice Kauser Edappagath ruled that the prosecution’s case hinged primarily on the victim’s oral testimony, which failed to meet the strict “sterling witness” standard required in sexual offence cases, as it lacked consistency, naturalness, and corroborative supporting evidence. Additionally, testimonies from the victim’s mother, close friend, and officials were found to be inadmissible hearsay under the Indian Evidence Act.

The case originated from an accusation by a female Indian Forest Service officer in 1999 who alleged that Nadar, then serving as Forest Minister, had called her to a government guest house, grabbed her arm, and pressed her shoulder against his body with intent to outrage her modesty. An FIR was registered under Section 354 IPC, and Nadar was convicted in 2004 and sentenced to one year imprisonment. The appellate court upheld the conviction but reduced the sentence to three months in 2005.

On revisiting the case, the High Court noted significant delays of over two years in lodging the complaint, which the victim’s vague explanations failed to justify. The court emphasized that the supporting witnesses did not have direct knowledge of the assault and that crucial aspects, such as telephone disclosures and additional witnesses, were inadequately investigated.

Considering these factors, the Kerala High Court found no proper foundation to uphold the conviction under Section 354 IPC and extended the benefit of doubt to Nadar, acquitting him of all charges. The judgment reinforces the necessity of rigorous evidence standards and corroboration in sexual harassment prosecutions to ensure fair trials.

Nadar was represented by advocates S Rajeev, V Vinay, MS Aneer, Sarath KP, Anilkumar CR, and KS Kiran Krishnan, while senior public prosecutor EC Bineesh appeared for the State.