NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will hear on Friday an appeal by Childline India Foundation, which works for children in distress, challenging the acquittal of two Britons on charges of sexually abusing young boys at an orphanage.
The Bombay High Court (HC) had acquitted Duncan Grant, 63, and Alan Waters, 58, on July 23. It rejected appeals by the foundation and the Maharashtra government for suspension of the acquittal order till an appeal was filed before the Supreme Court.
Grant and Waters were accused of sexually exploiting boys at Anchorage Shelter Home, which was set up by Grant in 1995 for homeless youngsters. They were released from the Nagpur Central Jail on Wednesday. A third man, William D’Souza, an Indian who managed the shelter was also cleared of the charges of aiding Grant and Waters,
In 2006, a trial court had convicted the two Britons. However, the HC said the case against them “lacked” evidence.
Defence lawyers had argued that the Britons were framed by a “known” paedophile who had given the boys money to complain about sexual abuse at the shelter.
The Childline India Foundation has told the apex court that the HC judgment needed a fresh look. It has also sought an early hearing as it fears that Grant and Waters could flee from India.
Grant and Waters had made “all possible attempts” not to stand trial, the foundation said.
dnacity@dnaindia.com
