Adults Cannot Use Rape Law to Criminalise Breakups in Consensual Relationships: HON'BLE DELHI HIGH COURT
The Hon'ble Delhi High Court draws a firm line between sexual assault and failed romantic relationships
Introduction
In a significant and thought-provoking judgment, the Delhi High Court has cautioned against the misuse of rape laws to criminalise consensual relationships that later turn sour. The Court emphasized that criminal law, especially provisions relating to rape and atrocities under the SC/ST Act, cannot be invoked merely because a relationship failed to culminate in marriage.
Background of the Case
The petitioner sought quashing of an FIR registered under Section 376 IPC (rape) and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The complainant alleged that she was sexually assaulted by the petitioner on the false promise of marriage and subjected to caste-based remarks. The FIR was lodged nearly five months after the alleged incident, following the breakdown of a long-standing relationship between two consenting adults.
Key Issues Before the Court
- Whether the physical relationship was consensual or coerced
- Whether a false promise of marriage vitiated consent
- Whether Section 3(2)(v) SC/ST Act was attracted
- Whether continuation of criminal proceedings would amount to an abuse of process of law
Court’s Analysis and Findings
1. Nature of Relationship: Consent vs. Coercion
The Court found that the parties had known each other for several years and shared a prolonged, voluntary, and emotionally intimate relationship. WhatsApp chats reflected mutual affection and no indication of force, threat, or caste-based abuse. The conduct of the complainant before and after the alleged incident did not support the allegation of rape.
2. Delay in Lodging FIR
The FIR was filed after a substantial delay of about five months. While delay alone is not fatal in sexual offence cases, the Court noted that continuous contact between the parties after the alleged incident weakened the prosecution’s case at the threshold stage.
3. Medical and Electronic Evidence
- Medical examination revealed no injuries or corroborative signs.
- WhatsApp chats were verified from both parties’ devices and did not support allegations of rape or caste abuse.
- The complainant failed to produce her mobile phone during investigation, despite notice under Section 91 CrPC.
4. False Promise of Marriage
The Court reiterated settled law that:
A breach of promise is not the same as a false promise.
There was no evidence that the promise of marriage was false at inception or made with a dishonest intention to obtain consent. A consensual relationship turning sour cannot retrospectively become rape.
5. SC/ST Act Not Attracted
For Section 3(2)(v) SC/ST Act to apply, the offence must be committed on the ground of caste. The Court found no material suggesting that the alleged acts were motivated by the complainant’s caste identity. Mere knowledge of caste is insufficient.
Judicial Caution Against Misuse of Criminal Law
The Court strongly deprecated the growing tendency to give criminal colour to failed relationships, observing that:
- Such prosecutions cause irreparable harm to reputation and liberty
- They trivialise genuine cases of sexual violence
- Criminal law must not become a tool for personal vendetta or emotional retaliation
Final Decision
Holding that continuation of proceedings would amount to an abuse of process of law, the Delhi High Court quashed the FIR and all consequential proceedings.
Conclusion
This judgment reinforces a crucial legal principle:
Consensual intimacy between adults does not become rape merely because the relationship ends badly.
The ruling serves as an important reminder that while the law must protect victims of genuine sexual violence, it must also guard against misuse that undermines justice and constitutional fairness.
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