In this case, the Supreme Court examined a criminal allegation where a woman accused her former partner of rape based on an unfulfilled promise of marriage. The Court ultimately quashed the charges, ruling that the relationship was consensual and did not meet the legal standards for rape under Section 376 IPC. This judgment draws attention to the misuse of criminal provisions in personal disputes and reinforces the importance of examining consent and intent carefully in such matters.
Bench: Justice Vikram Nath & Justice Rajesh Bindal
Key Issue: False promise of marriage, consensual sexual relationship
Relevant Law: Section 376 IPC
Background
The Supreme Court of India dismissed rape charges against a man in a historic ruling in May 2025. The woman had accused him of having a sexual relationship with her under the false promise of marriage. According to Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Court determined that the relationship was consensual and noted that the accusations fell short of the legal requirements for rape.
The two-judge panel, which included Justices Vikram Nath and Rajesh Bindal, decided that there was insufficient evidence to back up the complainant’s accusation that the accused had no intention of marrying her in the first place.
Basis of Judgement
The ruling critically examined the relationship’s psychological dynamics. The woman was described by the Court as exhibiting “aggressive sexual behavior, obsessive nature, and manipulative and vindictive tendencies.” It concluded that the man’s choice to end the relationship did not turn the voluntary act into a crime.
The Court underlined how important it is to differentiate between actual sexual offenses and private conflicts masked as criminal charges, particularly in cases involving romantic relationship.
Significance
This judgment is likely to set an example in safeguarding individuals from being wrongfully prosecuted when the evidence points to mutual involvement rather than coercion. The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to differentiating genuine cases of sexual assault from personal disputes misrepresented as criminal offences.
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