In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has declined to dismiss a serious case of alleged rape against a man accused by a woman he first connected with on the popular social media platform, Instagram. The court found the accusations, which involve claims of sexual assault under duress, to be sufficiently serious and backed by evidence to warrant a full trial.
Court Cites Serious Allegations and Victim's Statement
The bench, while rejecting the plea to quash the case, emphasized that the allegations disclosed grave accusations of sexual assault committed under coercion. A critical factor in the court's decision was the detailed and substantiated statement provided by the victim under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) before a magistrate. This legal provision records a person's statement on oath, lending it significant evidentiary weight during trial.
Details of the Case and the Accused's Plea
The accused individual had approached the High Court seeking to have the entire case against him thrown out. However, the court noted that the victim's allegations were supported by specific instances and were not vague or unsubstantiated. The mention of "duress" indicates the prosecution's argument that the victim was forced into the act against her will, a serious aggravating circumstance in such cases.
Implications and Next Steps
By refusing to quash the case, the Karnataka High Court has paved the way for the trial to proceed in the lower court. The decision underscores the judiciary's approach to taking cognizance of detailed victim testimonies recorded under Section 164 CrPC. It also highlights the legal risks associated with crimes allegedly stemming from interactions initiated on social media platforms. The case will now continue its course through the judicial system, where all evidence will be examined in detail.
The ruling was reported on December 1, 2025. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the legal consequences of serious offences and the importance of a thorough judicial process in arriving at the truth.
