Supreme Court criticises Patna High Court ruling on rape attempt, issues notice

The Supreme Court has criticised a Patna High Court ruling that found removing a woman's salwar does not constitute an attempt to rape, calling the decision shocking.

The apex court issued a notice to the accused who had been acquitted of rape attempt charges by the Patna High Court based on that reasoning. The Supreme Court's intervention signals serious concern over the legal interpretation applied in the case.

The matter highlights ongoing debates around the definition and recognition of sexual assault under Indian law and the standards applied by lower courts in rape and attempted rape cases.