Justice Chandra Dhari Singh noted that while rape is a grave crime, it is important to recognize that some individuals misuse this provision to harass men.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court quashed an FIR against a man accused of rape, stating that while rape is one of the most severe crimes against women, some individuals misuse legal provisions to harass men.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh noted that while rape is a grave crime, it is important to recognize that some individuals misuse this provision to harass men.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh, in a recent judgment, stated,
“While the provision under which the FIR has been filed is undeniably one of the most severe crimes against women, it is equally true that some individuals misuse it as a tool to unjustly harass their male counterparts.”The petitioner, seeking to quash the FIR, argued that the case was baseless, as the woman had consented to a physical relationship with him while they were in a previous relationship.
The court observed that the evidence, including WhatsApp chats and statements made before the magistrate, indicated that the ingredients of rape were not satisfied. The relationship was consensual, and there were no false promises of marriage.
The court further stated that the case was a clear example of how an innocent person could face unnecessary hardships due to the misuse of the law, and it believed that no meaningful outcome would result if the case went to trial.
The court also emphasized the need for courts to consider any ulterior motives the woman might have had in filing the complaint.
The man’s counsel argued that the parties had been in a consensual relationship, but due to personal disagreements, they did not marry. However, the prosecution opposed the quashing, asserting serious allegations of sexual assault.
The court reviewed the evidence, including the woman’s statements and their ongoing communication, which reflected her decision to marry someone else after the relationship ended. The WhatsApp chats also showed that the woman had informed the man about her decision, leading the court to conclude that the FIR was an afterthought.
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