Educated woman can't say misled if aware of man's married status: HC

The Delhi High Court has quashed a rape case against a man and said an educated and independent woman willingly continuing a relationship with a married man cannot claim being "misled or exploited".

- TDG NETWORK

The High Court passed the verdict while quashing an FIR against a man accused of sexually harassing the complainant under the false pretext of marriage, coupled with fraud and cheating.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma further noted the criminal justice system was increasingly being burdened with FIRs with offences of rape where allegations of sexual exploitation were levelled on the ground of false promise of marriage, often after prolonged periods of consensual relationships.

"Many such cases come before the courts where the parties, being majors, have voluntarily engaged in sexual relations over a span of time, and when the relationship eventually fails—whether due to incompatibility or any other differences—allegations of rape are pressed," the court's verdict on September 3 said.