Aditya Pancholi Moves Court to Quash Rape FIR, Terms Allegations ‘Malicious’

Bollywood actor Aditya Pancholi has approached the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of a rape FIR lodged against him in 2019, describing the allegations as “malicious” and legally unsustainable.

The matter was heard on Thursday, February 12, where Pancholi’s counsel, advocate Prashant Patil, urged the court to set aside the FIR. The defence argued that the complaint was filed nearly 15 years after the alleged incident, contending that the significant delay casts doubt on its credibility.

The petition relies on the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, which outlines specific circumstances under which criminal proceedings may be quashed to prevent abuse of legal process.

During the hearing, Pancholi’s lawyer submitted that prior to the registration of the FIR, an individual had met the actor and that a recording of that meeting is in their possession. According to the defence, the recording has been placed before the court to support the claim that the complaint was filed with wrongful intent.

The public prosecutor informed the court that the complainant had not appeared before the police for investigation despite 11 notices being issued. Taking note of this submission, the High Court directed the complainant to remain present on the next date of hearing, scheduled for February 24, 2026.

The FIR was registered on June 27, 2019, at Versova Police Station in Mumbai under Section 376 (rape) of the IPC and other relevant provisions. Pancholi has consistently denied the allegations.

This is not the first time the actor has sought judicial relief in the case. In 2022, he had also moved the High Court seeking dismissal of the FIR and requesting that police inform him of the progress in the investigation.