In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India dismissed rape charges against a man, claiming that a 16-year-long live-in relationship could not be based on deceit or coercion. The woman, a lecturer, accused her partner of exploiting her sexually under the false assurance of marriage. However, the court found the relationship to be consensual, noting that both parties were well-educated and maintained a stable connection despite living in different towns.
The court questioned the plausibility of the woman’s claim, considering the lengthy duration of their sexual relationship. It argued that for such an extended period, it was difficult to believe that the woman was coerced or misled by a false marriage promise. The two maintained a mutual relationship without raising objections, indicating that the interactions were voluntary.
While accepting that a false marriage proposal might have been made, the court emphasized that the continuous nature of the relationship for over 16 years refuted the woman’s argument that she was misled into consenting to sexual acts. It concluded that there was no force or deceit involved over the long period, rendering her claim implausible.
Ultimately, the judgment concluded that the situation reflected a personal dispute in a love affair gone awry rather than a criminal act of sexual exploitation.
Read also: