Supreme Court Quashes Rape Conviction After Parties Marry During Appeal

The Supreme Court quashed the rape conviction of a man accused of sexual exploitation on a false promise of marriage after noting that the parties married each other during the pendency of the appeal.

Invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court held that the case involved a consensual relationship that was later given a criminal colour after the relationship turned sour.

It took note of the subsequent marriage and the woman’s statement that she no longer wished to pursue the proceedings.

Accordingly, the Court set aside the FIR, conviction and sentence, and directed restoration of the appellant’s government service with arrears.

[Sandeep Singh Thakur v. State of Madhya Pradesh]