STATE vs VINOD BHARDWAJ

Judgment text excerpt

* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI % Reserved on: 13th May, 2025 Pronounced on: 28th July, 2025 + CRL.A. 691/2025 STATE Govt of NCT of Delhi .....Appellant Through: Mr. Yudhvir Singh Chauhan, APP for State versus VINOD BHARDWAJ S/O Sh. Murli Ram Bhardwaj, C/O Krishan Kumar Chauhan, Near Old Kuan Rang Puri Gaon, New Delhi .....Respondent Through: None Appeared CORAM: HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE NEENA BANSAL KRISHNA J U D G M E N T NEENA BANSAL KRISHNA, J. 1. Criminal Appeal under Section 377(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred to as “Cr.P.C.”) has been filed on behalf of the State seeking setting aside of Judgment dated 03.08.2019 whereby the Respondent, Vinod Bhardwaj has been acquitted under Sections 328/354/354D/384 Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter referred to as “IPC”){though convicted under S.323 and S.506(1) IPC}. Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:ANIL KUMAR BHATT Page 1 of 12 Signing Date:28.07.2025 17:49:15 2. Also, enhancement of sentence awarded vide Order on Sentence dated 03.08.2019 whereby the Respondent has been sentenced only to fine of Rs.1,000/- for offence punishable under Section 323 IPC and Rs.5,000/- for the offence punishable under Section 506(I) IPC, in case FIR No. 0155/2014 dated 31.01.2014 registered under Sections 323/328/354/354A/354D/384/506 IPC at P.S. Vasant Kunj (South). 3. Brief facts are that a Complaint dated 31.01.2014 was filed by the Complainant/Prosecutrix against the Respondent/Accused Vinod Bhardwaj on the allegation that in the year 2013, while the Prosecutrix used to work as a maid at the rented house of the Respondent at Rangpuri, Delhi, she was administered some stupefying substance in a cold drink i.e., Pepsi by the Respondent and thereafter, her signatures were taken on some papers wh