J&K And Ladakh HC Grants Stay On Probe Against Ex-MLA Shoaib Lone in Rape Case

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court recently stayed the police investigation into former MLA Shoaib Lone in a rape case filed by a woman claiming to be his wife.

A single bench of Justice Rajnesh Oswal ruled that the investigation would be stayed, except for the recording of the victim’s statement.

“Subject to objections and till next date of hearing before the bench, the investigation shall stay except to the extent of the recording of the statement of the prosecutrix“, the order stated.

The single bench was hearing a plea seeking quashing of a First Information Report (FIR) registered under Sections 376 (rape), 342 (wrongful confinement) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the India Penal Code.

The FIR had been registered at Baramulla Police Station based on a complaint made by a woman who asserted that she was the wife of Shoaib Lone. The counsel representing Lone contended that the FIR had been lodged solely to harass the former lawmaker.

Meanwhile, Jahangir Ahmad Dar, the government counsel, requested additional time to submit a comprehensive response. He further mentioned that the complainant had been repeatedly urged by the police to appear for the recording of her statement, but she failed to do so. Consequently, the investigation was put on hold, and the case was adjourned to 14^th June, 2023. Additionally, the court issued a notice to the complainant, requesting a response from her.