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* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI % Reserved on: 30.01.2024 Pronounced on: 01.03.2024 + W.P.(CRL.) 3502/2023 RESHMA ..... Petitioner Through: Mr. M. Sufian Siddiqui, Mr.

Rakesh Bhugra, Mr. Niyazuddin & Ms. Alya Veronica, Advocates.

versus THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ..... Respondent Through: Ms. Rupali Bandhopadya, ASC for the State.

Ms. Manisha Agrawal Narain, Amicus Curiae CORAM:

HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE SWARANA KANTA SHARMA

J U D G M E N T

INDEX TO THE JUDGMENT PRELUDE ............................................................................................... 3 RELIEFS SOUGHT BEFORE THIS COURT ..................................... 4 FACTUAL BACKDROP ......................................................................... 7 ORDERS PASSED BY THIS COURT ................................................. 10 SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF PETITIONER ............................. 11 Signature Not Verified W.P.(CRL) 3502/2023 Page 1 of 64 Digitally Signed SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF STATE ......................................... 16 REPORT OF AMICUS CURIAE ......................................................... 17 ISSUES AT THE CORE ....................................................................... 20 WHO IS A PARDANASHIN WOMAN ............................................... 21 Meaning in Strict Legal Connotation of the Term ......................................... 21 Judicial Precedents defining ‘Pardanashin Woman’ ....................................... 23 The Changing Meaning and Notions of the Concept of ‘Pardanashin Woman’ ................................................................................................................ 26 PARDANASHIN WOMAN: EXAMINING THE MEANING IN THE CONTEXT OF PETITIONER’S USAGE ................................. 27 History Behind the Veil: Understanding Pardah in Various Cultures ......... 29 Hinduism ................................................................................................................................... 29 Hinduism: Religion vs. Dharma ................................................................................... 35 Sikhism ....................................................................................................................................... 37 Christianity, Judaism, Jainism ........................................................................................ 37 Islam ............................................................................................................................................. 38 POLICING IN BHARAT: MULTIFACETED DUTIES & SOCIAL CONTEXT ............................................................................................ 39 Test of Reasonability and Compelling Public Interest................................... 40 Multi-cultural Land of Bharat & Policing ........................................................ 41 WHETHER THE CURRENT LEGAL FRAMEWORK IS SUFFICIENT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN QUESTION? ........... 42 Present Day Legal Framework for Protection of the Dignity of Women During Investigation of a Criminal Case ......................................................... 42 Procedure of Arrest of a Woman ................................................................................ 42 Procedure for Search .......................................................................................................... 43 Whether the Petitioner has made out a case, Necessitating Issuance of any Directions? .................................................................................................... 46 Argument regarding Right to Dignity under Article 21 vis-a-vis Pardanashin Women .......................................................................................... 50 The Concept of Judgment Impact ................................................................... 51 DIRECTIVES ISSUED BY COURTS: NEED TO BE JUSTICE DRIVEN AND NOT FAITH DRIVEN .............................................. 52 Signa