CJI Bobde New Delhi/IBNS: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde Monday said his comment during a hearing on a rape case was completely misreported, media reports said.
Stating he had highest respect for women on International Women's Day, Bobde said as quoted by NDTV, "We did not ask him (rape accused) to marry. We asked 'are you going to marry?' We did not say 'marry.'"
The Supreme Court on Mar 1 was hearing the bail request of one Mohit Subhash Chavan, who was accused of raping a school, when the CJI made a comment which triggered a row.
"If you want to marry, we can help you. If not, you lose your job and go to jail. You seduced the girl, raped her. We are not forcing you. Later you may say the court forced you," the CJI had told the petitioner's lawyer as quoted by NDTV.
The comment was widely viewed as the top court's consideration of marriage as a solution for rape incidents.
Even over 5,000 people had signed a petition demanding the resignation of the CJI.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the CJI had asked the question in a different context.
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