Allahabad HC Acquits Man in Rape Case, Says Both Sides Share Burden of Proof
The Allahabad High Court has upheld the acquittal of a man accused of rape, ruling that both the complainant and the accused share the burden of proof in such cases. The bench, consisting of Justice Rahul Chaturvedi and Justice Nand Prabha Shukla, emphasized that while laws protecting women’s dignity are essential, a male partner is not always solely responsible.
Case Background
The case involved a complaint filed in 2019 in Prayagraj, where a woman alleged that the accused engaged in a sexual relationship with her under the false promise of marriage. She also accused him of making derogatory remarks about her caste.
Following an investigation, the accused was formally charged in 2020, facing charges under rape laws and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
On February 8, 2024, the trial court acquitted the accused of rape but convicted him under IPC Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt). Dissatisfied with the verdict, the complainant appealed to the High Court.
High Court’s Observations
During the hearing, the accused maintained that the relationship was consensual. He claimed he ended it upon discovering that the woman had concealed her actual caste.
The court found several inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements:
- The woman was already married and had not legally ended her previous marriage.
- She concealed her caste identity, which played a role in the dispute.
- She maintained a relationship with the accused for five years without any objection.
- They had stayed together in multiple hotels and lodges across different cities.
The court noted, “It is difficult to determine who is deceiving whom.” It also pointed out that the complainant failed to prove her claims, leading to the conclusion that the trial court’s acquittal was justified.
Final Verdict
The Allahabad High Court ruled that the rape allegations were not supported by evidence. It reaffirmed that in such cases, the burden of proof is shared by both parties, not just the accused. The acquittal was upheld, and the case highlighted the need for thorough evidence in criminal trials.
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