Breach of Promise to Marry Differs from False Promise in Rape Cases: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court clarified that a mere breach of promise to marry cannot automatically be equated with a false promise in rape cases.

Granting bail to a 20-year-old accused, the Court held that a false promise involves deliberate deceit, where the accused never intended to marry and used the assurance solely to obtain sexual consent.

In contrast, a breach of promise may arise when a person genuinely wished to marry but was later unable to fulfil the commitment due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Court emphasised that each case must be assessed on its specific facts and intentions. 

[Sumit v. State of NCT of Delhi]