Supreme Court: Break-Up of Consensual Relationship Cannot Lead to Rape Case

The Supreme Court quashed an FIR filed by a woman alleging rape following the end of a long-term relationship.

The Court observed that the relationship had been consensual throughout, and there was no evidence that her consent was vitiated by coercion or a false promise of marriage.

It emphasised that the failure of a consensual relationship cannot be criminalised, as doing so would trivialise the seriousness of rape offences.

Finding no material to show deceit or lack of consent, the Court set aside the case against the man, reinforcing that criminal law cannot be misused to settle personal disputes.

[Samadhan v. State of Maharashtra & Anr.]