Author :Sanika Bhoite, PES Modern Law College, Pune
• To the Point
In Sanskrit, there is a quote:
“यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवता..”
India is a country where all Indians consider each other as brothers and sisters. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi’s disrobing was the main reason for the war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
Today’s case is deeply relevant to this thought.
The Priyadarshni Mattoo Rape Case
Priyadarshni Mattoo, a 25-year-old girl and a law student at Delhi University, was brutally raped, assaulted, and murdered by her senior, Santosh Kumar Singh, who was the son of an IPS officer.
Her father waited over 14 years to get justice for his daughter, but the justice system failed her in many ways. On 23rd January 1996, Santosh struck her face 15 times with a helmet, strangled her with a wire, brutally raped her, and finally murdered her.
For two years prior to the murder, the accused was harassing and stalking her. She had even approached legal officers. During their time in college, he had made indecent proposals to her.
He also filed a false complaint, claiming she was pursuing two degrees simultaneously.
In the trial court proceedings of 1999, Santosh got the benefit of the doubt due to the influence of his father’s position. The state failed to provide justice because of an impartial judicial system at that time.
On 29th February 2000, the CBI appealed to the Delhi High Court. After 42 day-to-day hearings, the High Court awarded the death penalty to Santosh .
On 19th February 2010, the accused appealed to the Supreme Court, which upheld the conviction but reduced the death sentence to life imprisonment.
After that, Santosh Kumar Singh was out on parole. He later filed another application for parole.
On her 33rd birthday, hundreds of people came together for a peace walk seeking justice. Her father continues to live with pain, waiting for complete justice.
• Use of Legal Jargon
As per the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023 (replacing IPC 1860), the relevant sections include:
Section 63 of BNS defines rape and its punishment. It corresponds to Section 376 of IPC. The punishment is a minimum of 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment.
Section 101 deals with murder. It involves mens rea and actus reus (intention + action) and provides punishment of death or life imprisonment.
Section 78 criminalises stalking and provides 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine for the first-time offender and 3 years + fine on the second-time offence.
The Priyadarshini Mattoo case reflects a tragic mix of crime and system failure. Section 327 IPC applies as the accused trespassed into her home with intent to harm. Section 351 is relevant due to his constant threats and stalking. Section 255 highlights official misconduct, as the accused’s influential background led to delays and manipulation in the investigation. These sections expose how justice was compromised at every step.
• The Proof
Evidence / Proof in the Case
1. Stalking History
The accused had been stalking and harassing Priyadarshini for months. She had filed complaints with the police. A case diary was maintained to record the harassment.
2. Last Seen Evidence
Neighbours and witnesses reported seeing Santosh entering her home on the day of the murder.
3. Forensic & Medical Evidence
Postmortem revealed rape, followed by strangulation and bludgeoning with a helmet.
Seminal stains matched Santosh Kumar Singh’s DNA.
Hair strands and biological samples found at the scene matched the accused.
Signs of forced entry and struggle were visible in the victim’s room.
4. CBI Investigation Report
CBI confirmed that Santosh attempted rape, and when Priyadarshini resisted, he raped, strangled, and then killed her.
The helmet used to hit her was confirmed to belong to Santosh.
The towel used in strangulation had his DNA.
5. Santosh’s Behavior
He gave inconsistent answers during police interrogation and initially tried to mislead the investigation.
• Abstract
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 31,516 rape cases reported in 2022—an average of 86 per day.
In modern times, as technology advances, crimes like rape are also rising. The youth is increasingly influenced by social media, but morality is declining.
The Priyadarshni Mattoo case became a landmark case in Indian legal history. She was also a victim of the partial and slow justice system. Over the years, many legal reforms have been made to protect women in India.
• Case Laws
Tukaram v. State of Maharashtra
This case exposed the grim reality of custodial sexual violence and the bias of the judiciary when power shields the guilty. The Supreme Court’s verdict—suggesting consent simply because Mathura didn’t scream—was not just flawed but deeply insensitive. It reflected a time when victims bore the burden of proof, even against men in uniform. This case became a turning point, sparking nationwide outrage and legal reform, leading to stronger rape laws. Much like Priyadarshni Mattoo’s case, it showed how influence and position often overpower justice—until society raises its voice loud enough to shake the system.
2. Mukesh & Anr v. State (Nirbhaya Case) – (2017) 6 SCC 1
Nirbhaya case was not just a crime—it was a national awakening. The brutality shook the conscience of India, forcing both lawmakers and society to confront the deep-rooted issue of women’s safety. The Supreme Court’s strong stance and the death penalty in this “rarest of rare” case reflected a long-overdue seriousness in handling such heinous crimes. Yet, while justice was delivered in court, the real victory will come only when women can walk freely without fear—because justice delayed can no longer be justice denied.
• Conclusion
The Priyadarshni Mattoo case highlights the unfairness in the judiciary and influence of power. The Mattoo family struggled for over 14 years for justice.
When we open the newspaper every morning, we still read rape news. Many cases are not even reported. Many victims like Priyadarshni are still waiting for justice.
In schools, we recite, “All Indians are my brothers and sisters…”
But in reality, do we act like that?
• FAQS
1. Is consent always verbal?
No. Consent must be clear and voluntary. Fear, coercion, or intoxication invalidate it.
2. Can a woman kill her rapist in self-defence?
Yes. Under Section 100 IPC, she can cause death or injury if defending herself.
3. What if she unintentionally kills the rapist?
If she acted in good faith while defending herself, Section 100 protects her.
4. Is private defence applicable in marital rape?
Though marital rape is not fully criminalised, under Section 97 IPC, if there is violence or threat to life, she can act in self-defence.
5. How is the identity of a victim protected?
Under Section 228A IPC, the identity of a rape victim cannot be disclosed.
