Actress Preity Zinta’s lawyer said that the molestation case filed against the actress’ former boyfriend Ness Wadia can’t be given a sexual tone. Hitesh Jain told a TV channel that the case was being portrayed as sexual molestation when the complaint has been registered under Section 354.
“IPC says a person is punishable under the given Section 354 if he/she assaults or uses criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.” He maintained that the actress never said it was a case of “sexual molestation.” As per the sources, Preity has been unavailable to give any further statement to the Mumbai Police.
She hasn’t even commented on her lawyer’s statement. But it is being said that Jain’s statement can have a negative impact on Preity’s case. Advocate Virendra Arora from Delhi High Court said that 70 per cent of the cases under Section 354 are dismissed by the courts as they appear to be frivolous.
“There has been severe criticism of this section since it is being used as a tool to harass male partners. A couple, who lives together for several years, can have disputes. So such cases can be unending. Therefore, the court will hear both sides and will decide the intensity of Wadia’s behaviour. I think this case should be dismissed,” he said. Under section 354, the punishment can go up to five years.