Woman can’t allege rape on pretext of marriage merely because long-term relationship fails: Madhya Pradesh High Court

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that a woman cannot accuse rape merely because a long-term relationship ended. The court emphasized that sexual relations under a promise of marriage can't be construed as rape if the intention to marry was never genuine. The judgment highlighted the importance of distinguishing between consent for marriage and consent for sexual relations. The case involved a woman who alleged rape after a failed relationship of several years. The court acquitted the accused, underscoring that personal relationships cannot be governed by criminal law unless they involve clear deception or abuse of trust.