In a landmark verdict that reinforces personal liberties, the Karnataka High Court has delivered a powerful message: relationships born out of mutual consent between adults cannot be criminalized. The judgment came while hearing a petition filed by a man challenging criminal proceedings initiated against him.
The Case That Sparked the Ruling
The court was addressing a petition where a man faced criminal charges after entering into a relationship with a woman. Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over the case, made strong observations about the nature of consensual relationships between adults.
Court's Powerful Observations
"A relationship born out of mutual volition cannot become an offence," declared Justice Nagaprasanna in his ruling. The court emphasized that when two adults willingly enter into a relationship, the law should not treat such associations as criminal acts.
The judgment highlighted that the woman involved in the case was a major and had consciously chosen to be in the relationship. The court noted that she had provided a statement acknowledging her voluntary participation, which became a crucial factor in the decision.
Broader Implications of the Judgment
This ruling sets an important precedent in Indian jurisprudence regarding adult relationships and personal freedom. The court's position reinforces that:
- Consensual relationships between adults fall within their fundamental rights
- The criminal justice system should not be weaponized in personal matters
- Mutual understanding and voluntary participation are key determinants
- Adults have the autonomy to make personal choices without state interference
Quashing of Criminal Proceedings
Based on these principles, the High Court quashed the criminal proceedings against the petitioner. The judgment serves as a reminder that the courts will intervene when criminal law is misapplied to personal relationships between consenting adults.
This progressive ruling aligns with several recent Supreme Court judgments that have increasingly recognized and protected individual autonomy and personal relationships in India.
