Delve into a legal case where the court’s in-depth legal analysis unravels the complexities surrounding a compromised relationship. The examination of promises, societal barriers, and the voluntary nature of consent in intimate relationships provides insight into the intricate dynamics at play. Stay tuned to discover the court’s perspective on this intriguing case.
Facts
- Efforts at compromise failed
- Appellant cheated the respondent by planning to marry another girl
- Leave granted for further action
- Appellant convicted for rape, assault, and wrongful confinement
- Prosecutrix lodged FIR alleging rape and false promises of marriage
- Evidence included letters, photographs, and appellant’s statement
- High Court upheld conviction based on available evidence
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Arguments
- The letters exchanged between the appellant and the prosecutrix, along with other evidence, established a deep love affair between them.
- It was observed that no offence under Section 375 IPC was made out.
- The prosecutrix was approximately 25 years old as determined by medical examination.
- The appellant and prosecutrix could not marry due to societal reasons.
- The allegations against the appellant were deemed doubtful and suspect.
- The prosecutrix admitted in cross-examination that rape was not committed by the appellant on a specific date.
- The appellant relied on the case of Kaini Rajan in his defense, citing similar consensual relations between parties.
- Various legal precedents were cited to support the argument of consensual physical relations.
- The lodging of the F.I.R. after four years was considered an afterthought.
- The appellant instructed the prosecutrix to keep quiet in his absence, indicating his ill intentions
- The prosecutrix’s testimony is deemed reliable
- The prosecutrix’s sister confirmed the sexual assault by the appellant
- Defense of consensual relationship is dismissed due to the prosecutrix’s young age
- The appellant falsely promised marriage to establish physical relations
- The delay in lodging the FIR was explained by failed compromise efforts
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Analysis
- The court analyzed the evidence and circumstances surrounding the case.
- There was doubt regarding the age of the prosecutrix as different witnesses provided varying information.
- The defense argued that the prosecutrix consented based on a fraudulent promise of marriage by the appellant.
- The lack of evidence regarding the prosecutrix’s age on the date of occurrence raised doubts about the case.
- The delay in lodging the FIR also raised suspicions about the truthfulness of the allegations.
- The defense was not given a proper opportunity to present their case during the trial.
- The court considered the nature of the relationship between the appellant and prosecutrix, including exchanged letters and acknowledgments of love and engagement.
- The analysis included the fact that if the appellant had married the prosecutrix, she might not have lodged the case.
- Medical evidence was lacking to support certain charges against the appellant.
- The court highlighted that a false promise is not equivalent to a misconception of fact within the legal context.
- The appellant did not make any false promise or intentional misrepresentation of marriage leading to the establishment of a physical relationship.
- The prosecutrix was aware of the obstacles in their relationship due to different religious beliefs.
- There is no fixed formula for determining the voluntary nature of consent given by the prosecutrix to sexual intercourse.
- The court emphasized the importance of questioning the accused under Section 313 Cr.P.C.
- The appellant belonged to the Scheduled Tribe while the prosecutrix belonged to the Christian community, leading to societal obstacles in their relationship.
- A matrimonial relationship could not be formed due to caste differences, despite physical relations continuing on the assurance of marriage.
- The promise loses significance when emotions and passion are involved.
- In weak moments, individuals may succumb to the temptation of a sexual relationship.
- The prosecutrix consented willingly out of love and desire, not just because of the promise to marry.
- It is difficult to impute knowledge to the appellant regarding any misconception of fact arising from his promise in these circumstances.
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Decision
- The appeal is allowed.
- The appellant is acquitted.
- He is directed to be set at liberty forthwith unless wanted in any other case.
Case Title: MAHESHWAR TIGGA Vs. THE STATE OF JHARKHAND (2020 INSC 564)
Case Number: Crl.A. No.-000635-000635 / 2020
