SADASHIV RAMRAO HADBE vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA . — Crl.A. No. 544/2005

Summary: Crl.A. No. 544/2005 - Sadashiv Ramrao Hadbe v. State of Maharashtra Outcome: The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, set aside the conviction and 10-year sentence imposed by the Additional Sessions Court and affirmed by the High Court of Bombay (Aurangabad Division). The appellant, a medical practitioner charged with rape, was directed to be released from jail immediately. Key Reasoning: The Court found serious doubts in the prosecution's case. Medical evidence contradicted the alleged sexual assault: vaginal swabs showed no spermatozoa despite collection on the same day, and the appellant's medical examination showed presence of smegma indicating no recent sexual intercourse. The Court also noted the prosecution's version was highly improbable—multiple patients were present nearby, the prosecutrix showed no injuries, and her FI statement lacked details she later "improved" in court testimony. The semen stains on clothing were insufficient to prove intercourse. Direction: The appellant was to be released forthwith unless required in another case. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.