NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court dismissed a rape case against a man, stating the law can be misused for harassment.
The man had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman he was previously involved with. The court determined the case lacked evidence of rape, citing consensual physical involvement between the two.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh stated, “It is true that the provision under which the FIR has been lodged is one of the most heinous crimes against women. However, it is also an established fact that some people use it as a weapon to unnecessarily harass the male counterpart.”
The court reviewed recordings, WhatsApp messages, and magistrate statements, concluding the relationship was consensual and not based on false marriage promises.
The court said the case exemplified how the law could cause undue hardship for innocent individuals.
The woman had reportedly been in contact with the man, sharing personal details, even after their relationship ended. She later married someone else. The court deemed the rape accusation an “afterthought.”
The man’s lawyer argued the relationship was consensual and the rape accusation followed a disagreement that prevented their marriage. The prosecution, however, contended the complaint demonstrated sexual assault.
The court acknowledged the woman’s communication with the man and their intent to marry, which was hindered by family disapproval due to caste differences. Despite this, the man remained willing to marry, but the woman declined and began another relationship.
