PRAYAGRAJ, Dec. 9 -- While directing to release on bail two accused in a case pertaining to the allegations of rape and offences under the SC/ST Act, the Allahabad high court observed that the rights granted to a victim under this special legislation "should not be misused and abused".

Justice Anil Kumar granted bail to appellants-Aznan Khan and Furkan Ilahi-primarily pointing out the unexplained delay of nine years in lodging the FIR.

In the present case, the victim lodged an FIR in 2025, alleging that in 2016, Furkan met her, took her to a hotel and then to the residence of his friend Aznan Khan where Furkan outraged her modesty. She said she remained silent all these years due to Furkan's assurance that he would marry her.

The victi...