Failed Relationship No Ground to Allege Rape: Kerala High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail

The Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to a 27-year-old man accused of raping a married woman, noting the relationship appeared prima facie consensual.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas held that arrest and remand should not punish individuals in cases where romantic ties later turn sour.

The Court observed the woman willingly travelled, stayed with the accused, and maintained contact through social media, ruling out deceitful consent based on a false promise of marriage as she was already married.

The Court held that custodial interrogation was unnecessary and granted bail with conditions, including appearance for limited questioning and no contact with the complainant.