Supreme Court's Verdict: Consensual Relationship vs. False Promise of Marriage

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"False Promise to Marry & Rape Allegations: Supreme Court Acquits Accused in Key Judgment"

Supreme Court's Verdict: Consensual Relationship vs. False Promise of Marriage

In a crucial ruling, the Supreme Court of India acquitted an accused charged under Section 376 IPC (rape) for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with a woman under a false promise of marriage. The case, Naim Ahamed vs. State (NCT of Delhi), highlights the legal distinction between a false promise to marry and a breach of promise, reinforcing that not every unfulfilled promise constitutes rape.

Background of the Case

  • The complainant, a married woman with three children, had an intimate relationship with the accused for over five years.
  • She alleged that the accused coerced her into a sexual relationship under a false promise of marriage and impregnated her in 2011.
  • Even after discovering that the accused was already married, she continued to stay with him and even divorced her husband in 2014.
  • The complaint was filed in 2015 after disputes arose between the two, leading to the accused being convicted under Section 376 IPC.

Key Observations by the Supreme Court

  1. Difference Between False Promise & Breach of Promise

    • A false promise involves deliberate deception from the start, aimed at exploiting the victim.
    • A breach of promise occurs when a relationship ends due to unforeseen circumstances, which is not a crime under IPC.

  2. Maturity & Consent

    • The complainant, being a mature woman and a mother, was capable of understanding her actions.
    • The long duration of the relationship (over 5 years) contradicts the claim that she was misled from the beginning.

  3. Misuse of Rape Laws

    • The Court cautioned against criminalizing consensual relationships, emphasizing that criminal law should not be used to settle personal disputes.

  4. Language of Evidence

    • The Court directed trial courts to record witness statements in their original language, rather than only in English, to maintain authenticity.

Final Verdict

  • The Supreme Court acquitted the accused, ruling that the allegations did not meet the legal threshold of rape under Section 375 IPC.
  • However, the accused was ordered to pay compensation, as he had accepted responsibility for the child born from the relationship.

Conclusion

This judgment sets a precedent for cases involving false promises of marriage, urging courts to differentiate between betrayal and criminality. It highlights the importance of intent and evidence in rape cases while ensuring protection against misuse of legal provisions.


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