New Delhi: The Calcutta High Court has held that addressing women as 'darling' is a sexist remark.
A single bench of Justice Jai Sengupta found that addressing women strangers as 'darling' is an offense under the ambit of criminal offences.
A single bench of Justice Jai Sengupta also found the crime of insulting womanhood under Sections 354A and 509 of the Indian Penal Code.
The court was hearing a complaint filed by a police officer. The officer's complaint pointed out that a person named Janak Ram, who was under the influence of alcohol, called him 'darling' while on duty.
The court found Janak Ram guilty and sentenced him to three months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 500.
“It is an insult to womanhood for a woman, be it a police officer or anyone else, to be addressed as 'darling' by a stranger, drunk or not, with sexual intent.
“According to the prevailing norms of our society at that time, a stranger is not allowed to address a complete stranger in such terms,” the court observed.
