The Dindoshi Sessions Court in Mumbai has fined young Team India cricketer Prithvi Shaw 100 rupees. This action was taken as a result of his failure to respond to a petition filed by social media influencer Sapna Gill. The court had previously given Shaw one last chance to reply, but no response was forthcoming.
What Is the Full Story?
The entire episode dates back to February 2023, when an altercation occurred between Sapna Gill and Prithvi Shaw at a pub in Andheri, Mumbai. According to Gill, one of her friends requested a selfie with Shaw, which he declined, allegedly grabbing the phone and tossing it away. When Sapna Gill attempted to mediate, Shaw and his friends allegedly assaulted and harassed her, leading to accusations of misconduct.
Courts Approach Due to FIR Not Being Registered
Following the incident, Sapna Gill attempted to file an FIR with the police, but they failed to register the case. Subsequently, she approached the magistrate's court in Andheri. In April 2024, the magistrate's court acknowledged the delay in filing the FIR but deemed the charges serious, thus necessitating an investigation. The court instructed the Santacruz police to investigate under Section 202 CrPC and submit a report.
Questions Raised on Police Action
Sapna Gill challenged the magistrate's court order, arguing that the police shirked their responsibility by not registering the FIR at the initial stage. Her lawyer, Ali Kashif Khan, asserted that such a stance by the police is an injustice to the victims and indicates a malfunction within the police machinery.
Disappointment Over Court Delays
Judge S.M. Agarwal of Dindoshi Sessions Court expressed dissatisfaction over the repeated extensions given to Prithvi Shaw's lawyer to file a response. Instructions were already issued in February, but despite numerous requests for more time, no response was filed. On June 13, the court labeled it as the final opportunity. On September 9, the court levied a 100-rupee fine while granting one more opportunity for a response.
What Lies Ahead?
The upcoming hearing awaits to see if Shaw submits a response. Both the police investigation report and Shaw’s response in court will significantly influence further proceedings.
