Grabbing Breasts Not Rape! Know Allahabad HC Judge Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra Who Passed Indigestible Ruling

A storm of legal and ethical criticism has erupted around Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra of the Allahabad High Court following a deeply controversial March 17 ruling that challenged fundamental understandings of sexual assault law. In a case involving the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, Justice Mishra made a startling declaration that actions such as grabbing a victim's breasts, attempting to remove clothing, or attempting to drag a victim to a secluded location do not constitute an "attempt to rape" under legal standards.

The Supreme Court's response was swift and unequivocal. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih condemned the judgment as "insensitive" and "inhuman", issuing a stay on the original ruling and directing the Allahabad High Court's Chief Justice to take appropriate action. The intervention was prompted by the 'We the Women of India' organization, which brought the problematic order to the Supreme Court's attention, highlighting the critical importance of judicial sensitivity in cases involving sexual violence against minors.

Who is Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra?

Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra is a seasoned judicial professional with a career spanning over three decades. Born and educated in Uttar Pradesh, he completed his law graduation in 1985 and post-graduation in 1987. His judicial journey began in 1990 when he entered the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Service, gradually rising through the ranks. Throughout his career, he served as a district and sessions judge in multiple districts, including Baghpat and Aligarh, and held the prestigious position of director of the Judicial Training and Research Institute (JTRI).

His significant career milestones include:

- Serving as district and sessions judge in multiple Uttar Pradesh districts
- Director of Judicial Training and Research Institute
- Appointed as additional judge to Allahabad High Court on August 15, 2022
- Sworn in as a permanent judge on September 25, 2023

Justice Mishra represents a long-standing member of the UP judicial system, with a career characterized by steady progression through various judicial roles before his elevation to the Allahabad High Court. His recent controversial ruling has, however, brought unprecedented scrutiny to his judicial approach and understanding of sensitive legal matters.