The Supreme Court, in a significant ruling, has voiced concerns over the increasing instances of rape allegations based on false promises of marriage.
The court warned against misusing criminal cases to settle emotional disputes from failed relationships.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal stated, “Cases should not be registered merely because a romantic relationship did not end in marriage. There exists a traditional mindset where the man is always blamed. Our legal system has flaws, and in some cases, women file multiple cases against in-laws without substantial evidence.”
The court added that a broader perspective is necessary to ensure justice for both parties involved.
The judges clarified that they do not favor any particular gender.
“We must consider every perspective. As a father, I also think about what would happen if my own daughter were in such a situation.”
One of the judges remarked, emphasizing the need for an impartial legal approach.
The court questioned whether authorities could secure a conviction based on weak evidence. It further noted that a failed marriage should not automatically lead to criminal charges.
This judgment reflects the judiciary’s commitment to preventing the misuse of legal provisions meant to protect genuine victims of sexual assault.
Recently, a bench led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia ruled that allegations of coercion and forced sexual relations lacked credibility in a specific case.
The court observed that if the accused had made a promise, it occurred only after consensual relations had already taken place.
In three other cases, the court found that accusations of forced sexual relations through intimidation were unsubstantiated, as both parties admitted to being in a relationship.
The judges emphasized that courts should not presume coercion or false promises unless clear evidence supports the claim.
The Supreme Court’s observations underscore the need for a balanced judicial approach in cases involving personal relationships.
Accordingly, the ruling urges courts to distinguish between genuine cases of exploitation and those where individuals misuse criminal laws for personal revenge.
By doing so, the judgment aims to uphold justice by preventing baseless cases that unfairly damage reputations and cause unnecessary legal hardships.
As the debate continues, the judiciary strives to protect victims while preventing the misuse of legal provisions for personal vendettas.
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