A serving woman Indian Police Service (IPS) officer has issued a public, unconditional apology in leading national dailies and across social media, acknowledging the immense trauma and injustice caused to her former husband and his family whom she had falsely implicated in heinous criminal cases, including rape, attempt to murder, and domestic violence.
The apology mandated by a Supreme Court order comes after the husband and his family spent over 100 days in judicial custody based on false and malicious complaints. Legal experts say this incident has shaken the foundation of trust in the impartiality of law enforcement officers and has reignited a national debate on the weaponisation of gender laws and the unchecked power of those in uniform.
Published in both English and Hindi editions of national newspapers, and circulated widely on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other digital platforms, the apology read, “I offer my unconditional and heartfelt apology to my former husband and his family for the hurt, trauma, and suffering caused due to my actions. I sincerely regret the pain that they endured due to the criminal cases I had filed against them. I hope that this apology can be a small step toward peace and closure for all of us.”
The officer went on to express that her daughter, born out of wedlock, was “in no way at fault” and extended an open invitation to the husband’s family to “meet and get to know her.”
The explosive case came to light during the hearing of transfer petitions before a Supreme Court Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih. The court discovered that the officer had filed six separate criminal cases between 2018 and 2021 against her then-husband and his family. These included:
- Section 376 – Rape
- Section 307 – Attempt to murder
- Section 498A – Cruelty by husband
- Section 406 – Criminal breach of trust
- Multiple petitions under the Domestic Violence Act
- A civil suit for maintenance and divorce
The apex court was visibly disturbed to note that these charges, which carry grave social and legal consequences, were weaponised in a personal matrimonial dispute.
As per court records, the husband was jailed for 109 days, and his father for 103 days. Eventually, none of the allegations were proven, and no conviction followed. The family was humiliated, isolated, and endured irreparable social stigma, all while fighting for justice.
Delivering its scathing verdict, the Supreme Court did not mince words. “This is a classic case of abuse of legal process and misuse of official power. What the husband and his family have suffered cannot be resituated or compensated in any manner. This apology is not just a personal closure it is a public act of moral rectification.”
The court barred the officer from using her position or leveraging the influence of her superiors, colleagues, or acquaintances in law enforcement to harass or initiate any proceedings against her former husband or his family directly or indirectly.
Additionally, the court quashed all civil and criminal cases filed by both sides and dissolved the marriage under Article 142 of the Constitution, which empowers the apex court to issue any order necessary for “complete justice.”
Custody of the minor daughter was granted to the mother, with visitation rights to the father and paternal family. The case has triggered a firestorm of public opinion and a nationwide conversation on misuse of laws, especially by individuals in powerful positions.
Senior advocate and former Law Commission member, Advocate RK Mehrotra, remarked, “This is an extremely rare and significant judgment. Never before has a serving IPS officer been forced to apologise publicly for malicious prosecution. This sends a clear message: no one is above the law, and the judiciary will intervene when the scales of justice are abused by those sworn to protect it.” Women’s rights activists, while acknowledging the seriousness of the case, urged that such misuse should not undermine the genuine struggles of victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
“The unfortunate reality is that false cases like this damage the credibility of true victims. Gender laws must protect women, yes—but not at the cost of innocent lives and justice,” said Ranjana Kumari, Director of Centre for Social Research.
Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs have confirmed that the Central Vigilance Commission and Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) are now examining the matter to determine if disciplinary proceedings should be initiated against the officer. Under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, such misuse of power could invite censure, suspension, or even dismissal.
A senior IPS officer, speaking off the record, said, “This case has cast a shadow over the credibility of women officers who are doing exemplary work. The apology, though mandated, does not undo the abuse of state machinery and the damage done to the image of the force.”
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