In a significant development for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fast bowler Yash Dayal, the Allahabad High Court has granted him interim protection from arrest in connection with a sexual exploitation case. The 27-year-old cricketer, who has recently garnered national attention for his pivotal performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), received temporary relief from a division bench comprising Justices Siddhartha Varma and Anil Kumar. This protective order will remain in effect until the next scheduled hearing, offering a crucial reprieve amidst the legal proceedings.

“One can’t be fooled for five years”: Allahabad High Court

The court’s decision, delivered during a hearing on Tuesday, not only stayed any coercive action against Dayal but also included notable observations regarding the prolonged nature of the alleged relationship. The bench expressed skepticism, remarking, “You could have been fooled for 1 day, 2 days or 3 days, but 5 years? You are entering into a relationship for five years, one can’t be fooled for five years.” These comments suggest the court’s initial reservations about the complainant’s narrative concerning the duration and circumstances of the alleged deceit.

The genesis of the case lies in a First Information Report (FIR) lodged on July 6 at the Indirapuram police station in Ghaziabad. The complaint was filed under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a provision that addresses sexual intercourse obtained through deceptive means. According to the woman from Ghaziabad who filed the complaint, she was involved in a relationship with Dayal for a period of five years. Her allegations include claims that the cricketer repeatedly made promises of marriage, even introducing her to his family as their prospective daughter-in-law. She further asserted that under this pretense, Dayal emotionally, mentally, and physically exploited her. The complainant also detailed instances of alleged physical violence and mental harassment when she confronted Dayal about his intentions. She additionally stated that she was made emotionally and financially dependent on him and subsequently discovered his alleged involvement with other women.

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Yash Dayal’s legal strategy 

Yash Dayal, a key figure in RCB’s historic IPL title win earlier this year, has vehemently denied all allegations levelled against him. The cricketer asserts that he possesses substantial evidence to refute the claims made by the complainant. In a proactive move, Dayal filed a counter-complaint with the Prayagraj police. In his counter-allegations, he accused the woman of theft, specifically citing the disappearance of his iPhone and laptop. Furthermore, Dayal claimed that the woman borrowed money from him under false pretenses, and he has presented what he describes as incriminating material to support his defense.

Following these developments, Dayal sought intervention from the Allahabad High Court, petitioning not only for a stay on his potential arrest but also for the complete quashing of the FIR filed against him. After carefully considering the submissions presented by both the cricketer’s legal team and the opposing side, the High Court proceeded to issue notices to all pertinent parties. This includes the Uttar Pradesh government, the Ghaziabad police authorities, and the complainant herself. These parties have been directed to file their respective responses to Dayal’s petition. Until these responses are duly received and thoroughly reviewed at the subsequent hearing, the interim protection granted to Dayal will remain in force, preventing any immediate coercive action against the prominent fast bowler.

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