The Calcutta High Court determined that referring to an unfamiliar woman as “darling” is a criminal offense according to Indian law. Justice Jay Sengupta emphasized this stance while affirming the conviction of an individual who addressed a female constable in such a manner while intoxicated.
The court stated that such behavior is offensive and constitutes a sexually suggestive remark. Justice Sengupta noted that societal standards do not permit the casual use of such expressions towards unfamiliar women. Additionally, the court remarked that if the incident had occurred when the individual was sober, the offense might have been even more severe.