False Promise to Marry Charge Cannot Apply Against Woman

The Karnataka High Court has held that a woman cannot be prosecuted under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for obtaining sexual intercourse through a false promise to marry.

In H.K. Prathibha v State of Karnataka, decided on 25 September 2026, the Court said the statutory offence is framed around conduct by a man toward a woman. It therefore quashed the Section 69 allegation against the woman co-accused.

The ruling did not end the investigation. Authorities may continue examining allegations that data or photographs were transferred, and may proceed under other applicable provisions if supported by evidence. The petition was consequently allowed only in part.