Sikkim: Court clears SDF Chief Pawan Chamling in POCSO case, says allegations were baseless

In a major relief for the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), the District Court today dismissed the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case that was filed against the party’s president and former Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling. The court said that the case was baseless and had no legal ground to continue.

The court’s decision came after a long legal battle. The case was seen by many as politically motivated. The court said that there was no criminal intent, also known as "mens rea", in Chamling’s actions or speech. Without proof of intent or any clear evidence, the court decided to close the case.

The case was filed some time ago, and it caused a lot of political debate in Sikkim. Supporters of the SDF had said from the beginning that the case was fake and filed only to damage Chamling’s image. Today, the court's decision confirmed that there was no real crime involved.

Reacting to the verdict, the SDF said it welcomes the court’s decision. The party said it always had full faith in the justice system. “We are happy that the truth has come out. The case was false, and it was used to target our leader for political reasons,” said Krishna Kharel, Vice President of the SDF’s Press and Publicity Wing.

He also said that today’s decision by the court has increased people’s trust in the judiciary. “This verdict shows that justice still works in this country. The court has done its duty well,” Kharel added.

The SDF also strongly criticized those who, according to them, used political tools to attack Chamling. “Political fights should be based on ideas and work, not personal attacks and false cases,” said one senior party worker.