• By Imran Zafar
  • Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:30 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

The Allahabad High Court, while granting bail to a 42-year-old man accused of rape, observed that failed intimate relationships and emotional fallout are increasingly being given a criminal dimension. The order, passed by Justice Krishan Pahal, underlined the growing trend of invoking penal provisions following personal disputes.

In its order, the Court highlighted the changing nature of intimate relationships, stating that such cases often reflect a broader societal shift. It noted that the sanctity and commitment traditionally associated with relationships are now in decline, leading to transient and often uncommitted partnerships 

“It is increasingly observed that personal fallouts and emotional discord are being given a criminal colour, through the invocation of penal laws, particularly in the aftermath of failed intimate relationships,” the Court said as quoted by Bar and Bench.

ALSO READ: US Launches Deadliest Strike On Yemen Fuel Port; Houthi Media Reports 58 Killed, Over 120 Injured

The woman, aged 25, accused the man of rape, blackmail and abandonment after promising marriage. She alleged that he had married three times previously and misused his wealth and influence to ruin her life. However, the defence argued that the complainant was aware of the man’s marital status and willingly continued the relationship. The accused denied claims of multiple marriages.

After reviewing the circumstances, the Court concluded that the complaint appeared to stem from emotional distress following the breakup rather than constituting a clear criminal offence. It stressed that not all ethically or socially questionable actions warrant legal consequences, reflecting the principle that law does not enforce all aspects of morality, the Bar and Bench report stated.

ALSO READ: Nashik Dargah Demolition: SC Stays Notice Hours After Razing, Seeks Report From Bombay HC On Non-Listing Of Matter

The Court further remarked that modern-day personal fallouts are increasingly being translated into criminal complaints. It said such misuse of legal provisions raises serious concerns about individual responsibility and judicial resources, particularly in cases where relationships are consensual and between mature adults.

“The prevalence of transient and uncommitted relationships, often formed and dissolved at will, raises critical questions about individual responsibility and the misuse of legal provisions, especially when such relationships turn sour,” the Court further said.

In granting bail, the Court took into account the delay of about five months in filing the FIR, the consensual nature of the relationship, the woman’s qualifications and the deletion of Sections 313 and 377 of the IPC. The Court found sufficient grounds to allow bail, concluding that the allegations were likely driven by a retaliatory motive rather than a bona fide legal grievance.