New Delhi | May 2025 

In a development, the Supreme Court of India has quashed a rape case filed by a woman against a man who allegedly backed out of their planned marriage, citing clear indications of “manipulative and vindictive tendencies” in the woman’s own digital communications.

The Court, while delivering its order, observed that the WhatsApp conversations between the complainant and the accused reflected calculated behavior that did not support the charge of rape under the pretext of marriage. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and K V Viswanathan, emphasized that while the judiciary must safeguard the rights of genuine victims, it must also prevent the misuse of penal provisions intended to protect women.

“Chats placed on record demonstrate the complainant’s manipulative approach and her intent to exert pressure,” the Court noted in its judgment.
 The Allegations

The complainant alleged that the accused had engaged in sexual relations with her under the false promise of marriage, and subsequently withdrew from the commitment. An FIR was lodged under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (rape) and other relevant sections.

However, during the investigation and legal proceedings, chat records were placed on the judicial record, revealing a different narrative. The Supreme Court found that these messages suggested the relationship was consensual, and that the complainant was not merely a passive participant but was actively involved in decisions that contradicted her later claims.

 Court’s Scrutiny of Digital Evidence

The apex court emphasized the growing role of digital evidence in modern legal disputes, particularly in cases hinging on the interpretation of consent. In this instance, the court found that the complainant’s language, tone, and repeated attempts to influence the accused through emotional manipulation and threats undermined the credibility of her claim.

“In a situation where the emotional context is so deeply involved, courts must tread carefully to distinguish between broken relationships and criminality,” the bench observed.

The Legal Impact of this judgment is expected to have wider legal implications in similar cases involving alleged rape on the pretext of marriage. Legal experts note that the verdict reiterates the principle that not every failed promise amounts to a criminal act, especially when both parties have willingly entered into a physical relationship.

“This ruling sets a precedent on how courts might interpret ‘consent’ and ‘false promise’ in future cases. Each case must turn on its facts, and this one clearly lacked the ingredients of deception as required under Section 376,” said a senior advocate familiar with the case.

 Misuse of Legal Provisions?

Over recent years, several courts—including the Delhi and Bombay High Courts—have expressed concern about the misuse of Section 376 IPC in cases arising out of failed relationships. The present ruling adds judicial weight to these apprehensions, stressing the need to differentiate between breach of trust and criminal conduct.

 Final Word

The Court’s quashing of the FIR not only brings closure for the accused but also signals a call for caution in invoking serious criminal charges in matters of strained personal relationships. The verdict reinforces the importance of evidence-based adjudication and the role of digital footprints in modern justice delivery.