Delhi High Court Rules Consensual Adult Relationships Cannot Be Retrospectively Termed Sexual Assault
The Delhi High Court has observed that when two adults enter into a consensual sexual relationship or choose to live together, they must accept responsibility for the consequences of that decision. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated that a party cannot retrospectively label the relationship as sexual assault after it turns sour. The court quashed a rape case against a man where the complainant alleged sexual intercourse under false promises of marriage. The court noted the complainant was aware of the man's married status from the beginning, indicating the relationship was consensual.
Key Points
- Adults in consensual relationships must take responsibility for the outcomes of their choices.
- Relationships cannot be painted as crimes of sexual assault retrospectively after a breakup.
- The court emphasized that awareness of a partner's marital status negates claims of 'false promise of marriage'.
Exam Facts
- Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
- Delhi High Court judgment (September 10)
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