New Delhi, April 22 -- The Patiala House Special Court in Delhi has acquitted three individuals of rape charges, concluding that the allegations against the 68-year-old father-in-law were founded on a false statement by the complainant.

In its judgment, the court observed, "Upon careful scrutiny of the facts and evidence, and guided by established legal principles, this court finds the testimony of the prosecutrix riddled with material contradictions and inconsistencies. Her statements throughout the investigation and trial have been inconsistent, undermining her credibility. The testimony fails to inspire confidence and falls short of the sterling quality required. Under the given circumstances, it would be highly unsafe to convict the ...