Padala Venkata Sai Rama Reddy vs The State Andhra Pradesh on 29 November, 2021
In the case of Padala Venkata Sai Rama Reddy v. State of Andhra
Pradesh, which according to the learned Single Judge, is in conflict with
aforesaid twin Judgments rendered by co-ordinate learned Single Judges, the
Petitioner/Accused No.4 therein is a Customer. As per the charge sheet, the
allegation against the Petitioner therein was that he was present at the brothel
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house and he is the customer, who visited said premises to have sexual
pleasure with a prostitute on payment of cash to her. The alleged offences
charged against said Petitioner are Sections 3 to 5 of the Act, 1956 and
Section 370A(2) of the Penal Code, 1860. That, it is in this specific factual
context that the learned Single Judge of this Court held that as the Petitioner/
Customer therein was found to be present at the spot during the course of raid
only as a customer, who visited said brothel house, no criminal liability under
Section 370A(2) of Penal Code, 1860 can be fastened against said Petitioner.
However, it was nowhere held that Section 370A(2) of the Penal Code, 1860
cannot be charged against a Customer.