CJI’s Bench Issues Notice to Review Controversial Remarks in Patna HC Order

In a three‑judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Patna High Court to clarify statements that appeared to downplay the seriousness of an alleged rape attempt. The bench, which also included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohna, signaled its intention to scrutinise the High Court’s interpretation of Sections 376, 511 and 354.

The judges remarked that certain observations in the Patna order were “objectionable” and required clarification. They also instructed the Bihar government to ensure that the accused is served with a Supreme Court notice via the local police.

This intervention comes after the Supreme Court’s earlier suo moto recall of an Allahabad High Court verdict that had differentiated between the preparation for rape and the actual attempt.