Bombay HC quashes Preity Zinta's molestation case against Ness Wadia
A couple of days after it suggested that Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and industrialist Ness Wadia settle an alleged molestation case, the Bombay High Court, on Wednesday quashed the case altogether. On Monday, the Bombay High Court had said that the couple consider "finishing off" the case. The alleged molestation incident dates back to 2014. Here are the details.
From a fairytale celebrity romance to hitting rock-bottom
Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia's relationship started in 2005, and was, back then, considered to be a fairytale celebrity romance. The good-looking and successful couple took their relationship to the next level in 2008, when they jointly bought Kings XI Punjab. However, their relationship started deteriorating, and year later, in 2009, the couple broke up. They maintained a cordial relationship, up until 2014.
Despite efforts, the couple failed to remain "friends"
Despite their break-up in 2009, the actress and the industrialist had decided to maintain a cordial relationship and keep their business ties, with Preity insisting that they had had a "great relationship" and remained "friends". However, on June 13, 2014, the actress lodged an official complaint alleging molestation, threats, and abuse after an incident during an IPL match in May that year.
What went down during the fateful IPL match
The alleged molestation incident took place May 30, 2014, during a Kings XI Punjab match taking place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Reportedly, Wadia was abusing the team staff over ticket distribution when Preity intervened. Annoyed, the enraged Wadia allegedly molested her by grabbing her arm hard and bruising it. However, despite her complaint, the police filed the chargesheet only in February 2018.
After chargesheet was filed, Wadia sought cancellation of the case
The chargesheet filed against Ness Wadia booked him under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC. Subsequently, Wadia approached the Bombay HC seeking cancellation of the case, claiming it was "personal vengeance" on Preity's part.
Preity wanted an apology; Wadia didn't want to apologize
As the legal battle dragged on, the actress' lawyer told the Bombay HC that the actress was willing to settle the case if Wadia apologized. There was no demand for a written apology. Yet, Wadia's lawyer told the court that industrialist was not willing to apologize, prompting the Bombay HC to suggest that the parties settle the matter. Subsequently, the court quashed the case.
