Delhi Court Convicts Man for Rape Based on False Marriage Promise
A Delhi court has delivered a significant verdict, convicting a man for repeatedly raping a woman after deceiving her with a false promise of marriage. The court emphasized that the assurance was driven by "clandestine motives to satisfy his lust" and could not constitute valid consent under the law.
Court's Observations on Consent and Motives
Additional Sessions Judge Kapil Kumar, in an order dated April 9, found Mohit Rajpal guilty, noting that the survivor's consent was vitiated by a "misconception of fact". The court stated, "It is proved that the promise of marriage extended by the accused to the prosecutrix was a false promise made with clandestine motives to satisfy his lust without any intention to honor it from the outset." This ruling underscores that dishonest promises cannot justify sexual relations.
Details of the Case and Charges
According to the prosecution, the accused established physical relations with the woman between 2016 and 2018 by falsely assuring her of marriage. A case was registered under multiple IPC sections, including:
- Section 376(2) for aggravated rape
- Section 377 for unnatural offences
- Section 313 for carrying miscarriage without consent
- Section 506 for criminal intimidation
The court observed that the promise was dishonest from the beginning and served as a tool to obtain her consent. "The false promise of marriage was the sole reason for the prosecutrix to consent to repeated physical relations with the accused," the judge remarked, highlighting the manipulative nature of the act.
Survivor's Allegations and Court's Findings
The survivor alleged that the accused subjected her to forced sexual acts, coerced her into terminating a pregnancy, and threatened her with dire consequences if she pursued legal action. The court found her testimony consistent and reliable, rejecting the defence's claim of a consensual relationship. It noted, "The consent of the prosecutrix for physical relations was not free consent, being vitiated by the misconception of fact in her mind due to the false promise of marriage."
Legal Principles and Acquittal on Some Charges
Reiterating established legal principles, the court affirmed that a conviction in sexual offence cases can be based solely on the credible testimony of the prosecutrix. While acquitting the accused of charges under Sections 377, 313, and 506 IPC, the court convicted him for repeated rape. The matter has been scheduled for a later date to hear arguments on the quantum of sentence.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences of using false promises to exploit individuals, reinforcing protections against such deceptive practices in relationships.
