In New Delhi, the Supreme Court delivered a significant judgment on Wednesday, acquitting a man who had been accused of raping a married woman under the pretext of marriage. The ruling, rendered by Justices C T Ravikumar and Rajesh Bindal, addressed several critical aspects of the case, including the woman’s maturity and the consistency of her statements.
The case stemmed from allegations that the accused had engaged in sexual relations with the woman by promising to marry her. However, the Supreme Court found that the woman, in this instance, was mature enough to understand the consequences of her actions, casting doubt on the nature of the relationship and the accused’s intent.
During the trial, the bench noted discrepancies between the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the woman and her statement recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). These inconsistencies raised questions about the accuracy and reliability of the allegations made against the accused.
The court’s decision to acquit the man was based on several key factors. Firstly, the justices emphasized the importance of evaluating the woman’s maturity in understanding the nature of her relationship with the accused. They highlighted the need to consider her capacity to consent to sexual activity and comprehend the implications of entering into such a relationship.
Furthermore, the bench scrutinized the FIR and the complainant’s statement under Section 164 of the CrPC. They pointed out disparities between the two, indicating possible inconsistencies in the woman’s account of events. This raised doubts about the credibility of her accusations and the veracity of her claims against the accused.
The court’s ruling underscores the significance of corroborating evidence and consistent statements in cases involving sexual offenses. It highlights the need for thorough and meticulous examination of all available evidence to ensure that justice is served and the rights of the accused are protected.
Moreover, the judgment reflects the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and equality before the law. It emphasizes the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation, ensuring that the accused is given a fair trial and that the rights of the victim are respected.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to acquit the man accused of raping a married woman on the pretext of marriage is a significant development in the legal landscape. It reaffirms the importance of careful scrutiny of evidence and the need for a fair and impartial trial in cases involving serious allegations such as rape.
