re: a: Sexual Molestation is a Criminal Act. It CANNOT be "settled out of court" - which has a specific meaning in CIVIL cases. Can it?
Gabe Menezes <[email protected]> wrote I can't answer that one either aye or nay. In many Countries a compromise is found and sometimes money is paid to make things go away. For instance in fatal car accidents in Saudi and perhaps some other Mid East Countries, blood money is paid to the victims family. COMMENT: I accept that you (Gabe) are unable to answer the question. Perhaps our "officer of the court" will advise us IF his interview as reported by Target Goa ....was accurate.or whether he was misquoted. Just that we may have it clear: The Indian justice system follows Common Law like the UK and USA. Let's leave Sharia countries alone. The Criminal Procedure Codes are also similar 'in principle'. Withdrawal of "charges" by the mother, Compensation and "out of court settlements" (except plea-bargains with the prosecution) have NO place in criminal cases. (An accuser may also approach the court and state that "the accusation was made up" .....and the court will then decide what to do. BUT, the word "charge" when used in a sexual molestation or other criminal case ....has a specific meaning. ONLY the Prosecution charges a person, ONLY the Prosecution drops the charges (when it decides that the case is not worth proceeding with) The 'civil liability' when death occurs due to (criminal) negligence or other action - is an additional liability.....as in accidents. Do advise me if I am wrong ...and why. jc
