The Allahabad High Court recently acquitted a man accused of rape, emphasizing that in consensual relationships, both parties must share the burden of proof. The division bench, comprising Justice Rahul Chaturvedi and Justice Nand Prabha Shukla, highlighted that while safeguarding the dignity of women is essential, the male partner cannot always be held solely responsible in such cases.
Case Background
The case revolved around a complaint filed by a woman in Prayagraj in 2019. She accused the man of engaging in a sexual relationship with her under the false promise of marriage and making derogatory remarks about her caste. The man faced charges under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and rape. However, the trial court in February 2024 acquitted him of rape but convicted him under Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Consensual Relationship and False Promises
The accused argued that their relationship was consensual. He further explained that he chose not to marry the woman after discovering that she had misrepresented her caste. The court found that the woman was already married and had hidden her true marital status and caste. The couple had maintained a physical relationship for five years, and the court questioned the credibility of the woman’s claims, stating, “It’s challenging to determine who is deceiving whom.”
Court’s Judgment
The Allahabad High Court upheld the trial court’s decision, concluding that the allegations of rape and sexual harassment could not be substantiated. The court remarked that both the complainant and the accused had stayed at various hotels together, indicating a consensual relationship. Additionally, the complainant failed to provide substantial proof regarding her caste and other claims.
The court stated, “In such cases, the burden of proof rests on both the complainant and the accused.” The judges noted that it is not always appropriate to place full blame on the male partner, especially when the facts of the case suggest mutual consent.
Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court’s ruling emphasizes the need for both parties in a consensual relationship to share responsibility when accusations arise. The case serves as a reminder that not all claims of sexual offences can be proven solely on one party’s testimony, and the burden of proof lies on both sides to establish the truth.
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