The Supreme Court dismissed a criminal case against a man accused of sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage, citing a 16-year-long consensual relationship between the parties. The court found it implausible that a highly educated, independent woman remained in such a relationship for over a decade and a half without raising any concerns.
The ruling reinforced that a breach of a marriage promise does not automatically constitute rape unless deceit is established from the beginning. The complaint was filed only after the accused married another woman, leading the court to question the credibility of the allegations.
The bench highlighted that the complainant willingly engaged in a relationship spanning nearly two decades and even participated in informal marriage rituals with the accused. Observing contradictions in her statements, the court determined that the case reflected a failed relationship rather than a criminal offense.
Emphasizing past rulings, the court reiterated that consensual relationships cannot be retroactively labeled as coercion. Consequently, it ruled the charges unjustified and an abuse of the legal process, dismissing the case.
