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Delhi High Court Takes a Stand Against Patriarchal Arguments in False Marriage Promise Cases

In a groundbreaking judgment, the Delhi High Court has reinforced the accountability of individuals who exploit others under the guise of marriage promises. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma clarified that an age difference cannot be used as a defense in cases of rape on the false promise of marriage. The ruling dismisses stereotypes and strengthens legal measures against sexual exploitation based on deceit.

The case involves a man accused of misleading a colleague into a physical relationship and financial commitments under the false assurance of marriage. According to the victim, the accused began pursuing her in 2017, proposed marriage, and promised a future together. Trusting his words, the woman entered into a physical relationship and lent him financial support of over ₹4-5 lakhs. However, his refusal to marry her and return the money led to a criminal complaint in 2021.

The accused argued that the relationship was consensual and blamed the victim's expectations of marriage on "obsession." The Court rejected these arguments, noting the couple had introduced each other to their families, indicating a mutual understanding of marriage. It further refuted the claim that the woman should have anticipated obstacles due to their age gap, deeming it patriarchal and legally flawed.

Justice Sharma stated that the man knowingly pursued the relationship while assuring the victim of marriage and shifting blame onto her is unjustified. The Court emphasized that age cannot be grounds for invalidating the victim's trust in the man's promises, particularly when he actively encouraged the relationship.

Criticizing the defense's claim of the victim being "obsessed," the Court called it reflective of a misogynistic perspective. It stressed that a woman's decision to trust a man's assurances should not be trivialized or dismissed. This judgment highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for exploiting others under false pretenses.

The ruling underscores the Court's commitment to combating sexual exploitation, misogyny, and patriarchal biases while providing justice to victims of deceitful relationships.


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