Court says the public burning of effigies of accused women like Sonam Raghuvanshi is unacceptable in a democratic society. Petition filed by her mother.
MP High Court Bans Effigy Burning of Sonam Raghuvanshi on Dussehra
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has prohibited the burning of effigies of Sonam Raghuvanshi and other women accused in criminal cases, during Dussehra celebrations in Indore.
The court called the act “unacceptable in a democratic society,” responding to a petition filed by Sonam’s mother, Sangeeta Raghuvanshi.
What Triggered the Court Order?
- A local Indore-based organization, Paurush (People Against Unequal Rules Used to Shelter Harassment), had planned to burn effigies of 11 women, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, during a Dussehra event.
- These women were accused of killing or being involved in their husbands’ deaths, including five from Uttar Pradesh and two from Madhya Pradesh.
Petition by Sonam’s Mother
- Sangeeta Raghuvanshi, Sonam’s mother, filed a legal petition to stop the effigy burning.
- She stated that while her daughter is an accused, the matter is still under trial in a Shillong court and should not be judged publicly.
- The court agreed, stating that public humiliation before trial is undemocratic and may lead to mob justice or social harm.
Background: The Sonam Raghuvanshi Case
- Sonam’s husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, went missing on May 23 during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.
- His mutilated body was found on June 2 in a ravine near Cherrapunji.
- Sonam later surrendered in Uttar Pradesh.
- She and four others, including her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha, were arrested by Meghalaya Police.
- The case is ongoing and being tried in Shillong court.
What the Court Said
The Madhya Pradesh High Court clearly stated:
“Such practice is not acceptable in a democratic society. You cannot burn effigies of people who are only accused and not yet proven guilty.”
The court’s order prevents the organization from burning effigies of any woman accused in ongoing criminal cases, protecting the presumption of innocence.
