Al Amin & Ors vs. Bangladesh, 51 DLR (1999) 154

A female college student was raped by five men, after which, photographs of her were taken while she was naked. Nine days after the incident, she reported the matter to the police by filing a First Information Report (FIR). The report did not mention any rape, only an act of "outraging the modesty." During the investigation, the full extent of the crime was reported by the witnesses. The victim then provided a statement that she was raped and photographed while naked. The trial court acquitted the accused mainly due to the delay in reporting the crime, and the FIR which mentioned only "outraging the modesty." On appeal, the court held that the delay in reporting is understandable since the crime of rape affects the honor of the victim and the reputation of her family. The court also rejected the argument for acquittal due to lack of corroborating evidence. The court said that the testimony of the victim of a sex crime was sufficient for a conviction. It is reasonable for a girl to conceal the sexual assault committed against her since it impacts her personal honor and that of her family.