Punjab and Haryana High Court Rules Failed Engagement Does Not Constitute Rape on False Promise to Marry

The Punjab and Haryana High Court examined whether a failed engagement and a consensual relationship could be considered rape under the guise of false promise to marry. The petitioner argued that sexual relations under promise of marriage could be criminally actionable if the promise was broken. The Court clarified that consensual relationships between adults do not automatically imply criminal liability, even if promises of marriage are not fulfilled. The judgment emphasized the distinction between civil grievances and criminal offences, noting that broken promises, while ethically significant, do not constitute rape without evidence of coercion or lack of consent. The Court highlighted the importance of respecting adult autonomy in personal relationships and cautioned against criminalizing private consensual acts. This decision reinforced legal clarity regarding consent, sexual autonomy, and the limits of criminal liability, providing guidance for courts in cases involving alleged breaches of promise and intimate relationships.