Background
The Supreme Court has set aside a rape case against a man who was booked after being in a consensual relationship with the complainant for 16 years. The Court observed that such allegations, when made after an extended period of voluntary association, require careful scrutiny to prevent misuse of the law.
Court’s Rationale
- The bench noted that both individuals were in a long-term consensual relationship, and there was no immediate complaint of coercion or assault.
- The delay in lodging the FIR raised concerns about the credibility of the allegations.
- The Court emphasized that the law should not be used as a tool for vindictive litigation, especially in cases where there was no evidence of force or deceit.
Existing Measures
- The Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines rape under Section 375, with exceptions for consensual relationships.
- Courts have previously ruled that a breach of a promise to marry does not automatically constitute rape unless it is proven that the promise was made with fraudulent intent.
Conclusion
The judgment reinforces the need for distinguishing between genuine cases of sexual assault and those arising from relationship disputes. The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the principle that criminal law should not be misused to settle personal grievances.