Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concern over the safety and dignity of women clients being trained by male trainers in gyms without adequate safeguards.
The observation came from Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav while hearing an appeal filed by Nitin Saini, a gym trainer from Meerut, accused of using caste-based slurs against a woman client. The matter will now be heard on September 8.
The victim, in her statement before the trial court, alleged that Saini had also prepared obscene videos of another woman client and sent them to her. Taking note of these allegations, the court remarked that the acts may attract offences under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to outrage the modesty of a woman) and 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) of the IPC.
In its order dated August 27, the high court directed the Investigating Officer of Police Station Brahmpuri, Meerut to submit a personal affidavit specifying:
- Whether the gym operated by the accused was duly registered under the law.
- Whether the accused has been arrested in connection with the case.
- Whether female trainers are employed at the gym.
Calling it a matter of “serious concern,” the court underlined the need for safeguards to protect women clients during gym training sessions.
