NEW DELHI: It is difficult for a rape accused to get back his honour and dignity even if he gets acquitted , a Delhi court noted on Tuesday, saying even such persons must be termed "rape survivor ". Acquitting a man accused of rape after the woman retracted her charge, the court said he cant be compensated for the "humiliation, misery, distress and monetary loss" suffered by him.

While exonerating him in a case of false rape filed by a married woman, the court suggested he could file a case for damages against the complainant.

"It cannot be ignored that the accused, due to this case which has ultimately ended in his acquittal, has also remained in custody for a considerable period and may have suffered humiliation, trauma, distress and misery besides the expenses of the litigation," additional sessions judge Nivedita Anil Sharma said.

"It may not be possible to restore his dignity and honour nor compensate him (rape accused) for the humiliation, misery, distress and monetary loss. However, his acquittal may give him some solace. He may also file any case for damages against the prosecutrix, if advised," the judge added.

The court also observed that his plight may continue even after his acquittal as "his implication may have caused uproar in society but his acquittal may not even be noticed. ... He will continue to suffer the stigma of being a rape case accused". According to the prosecution, in November last year, the man allegedly entered the woman's house, raped her at knife point and threatened to kill her son if she disclosed the incident to anyone. However, in her cross-examination in court, she deposed that she had lodged a false case under pressure from her husband as he had monetary dispute with the accused.

