SC dismisses actor's plea not to pay compensation to rape victim

New Delhi, Feb 25 (UNI) The Supreme Court today dismissed the appeal of Tamil film actor Manzoor Ali Khan against Madras High Court judgement directing him to pay a compensation of Rs 10.25 lakhs to his former assistant whom he had allegedly raped in December 1996.

A bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and P Sathasivam dismissed the petition holding that the High Court had issued a direction to pay compensation to the victim only after the petitioner agreed to pay Rs 10.25 lakhs as compensation to the victim and now he cannot be allowed to back out from his statement made before the High Court.

The trial court had sentenced him to seven years imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 3 lakhs.

Manzoor Ali Khan filed an appeal before the High Court against the trial court order.

The High Court acquitted him holding that the charge of rape has not been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

The High Court, however, directed the petitioner to pay a compensation of Rs 10.25 lakhs to the victim.

The main contention of the petitioner in the Supreme Court was that once the High Court had acquitted him he cannot be directed to pay compensation.

UNI AKS/SC SY ND1728