Taxi driver gets two years in jail for outraging modesty of hotel professional, stalking her

The Judicial Magistrate Prashant S Ghodke delivered the judgment, finding Rocky Fernandes guilty under sections 354 and 354 of the IPC and sentencing him to two years of rigorous imprisonment. The court rejected the defence’s contention that kissing the hand is a routine greeting in the hospitality industry and noted the act did not occur during the informant’s official duties. The court also stated there was no evidence that hand-kissing is a standard greeting or taught in hospitality training, and that the prosecution’s case regarding both incidents was proved beyond reasonable doubt.

About ten days after the first incident, the victim encountered the same taxi driver in another ride. He diverted from the usual drop-off point, asked for her mobile number, and stated that he 'liked her'. The victim refused and immediately reported the matter to her Head of Department, leading to a police complaint.

The victim, a front office associate at a leading hotel chain, was traveling to work in a shared taxi. The driver refused to take her fare upon arrival, and when she extended her hand to greet him with 'Happy Diwali', he grabbed her hand and kissed it, causing her to flee in distress.