New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) The Supreme Court today quashed a rape-on-false-promise-of-marriage case filed by an actress against Tamil film director and politician Seeman, after both sides submitted affidavits expressing their intent to end all disputes.
A Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan noted that Seeman had tendered an unconditional apology, withdrawn his allegations against the actress, and assured the Court that he would not contact her in any manner.
The complainant, in turn, also filed an affidavit withdrawing her complaint and FIR against Seeman.
Observing that both parties sought to bring “a quietus to all litigations,” the Court said the affidavits reflected a genuine intent to end all legal proceedings and directed both sides to abide by their undertakings “in letter and in spirit.”
Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the actress, submitted that her decision to withdraw the complaint should also be seen as a gesture of apology and closure.
He further requested that Seeman’s political supporters refrain from making public remarks against her, a request Senior Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, appearing for Seeman, assured the Court would be honoured.
Setting aside the Madras High Court’s earlier order that had refused to quash the FIR, the Supreme Court said, “We find that the interest of justice would be served if the impugned order is set aside.”
The case arose from an FIR registered in 2011 against Seeman under Sections 417, 420, 354, 376, and 506(1) of the IPC, read with Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, based on allegations of deception and harassment.
The Court’s ruling today formally brings an end to the 13-year-old legal battle, directing both parties to maintain peace and refrain from future public comments on the matter.
