The Allahabad High Court has granted temporary protection from arrest to Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricketer Yash Dayal, who is facing allegations of sexual exploitation by a woman claiming he promised marriage during a five-year relationship.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Siddhartha Varma and Anil Kumar noted that the length and nature of the relationship complicate the question of intent. The Court observed it was too early to determine whether any promise of marriage was made, or if such a promise—assuming it existed—was deceitful from the outset.
“We have looked into the FIR. It clearly indicates a prolonged relationship. At this point, determining whether a promise of marriage was ever made, and if so, whether it was knowingly false, is not possible,” the judges remarked.
Until further notice—or until the investigating authorities file their report—Dayal will not be arrested, the Court ruled.
The fast bowler had moved the High Court to quash the FIR lodged against him under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to sexual relations under a false promise of marriage. The woman has accused him of emotional and sexual exploitation across the duration of their relationship.
In his defense, Dayal contended that the complaint was timed suspiciously—surfacing only after his selection to the national cricket team. He alleged that the accusation is financially motivated and emphasized that he had provided her with financial support during their relationship.
Notices have now been issued to both the State and the complainant. The Court will revisit the matter once the police respond.
Yash Dayal was represented by a team of senior and junior counsel, while the State’s side was presented by Advocate Rupak Chaubey.
