Supreme Court quashes rape case, bars using prosecution to force marriage

This case concerns a criminal appeal where the Supreme Court quashed a rape case filed against the appellant, Martanda Singh, alleging that he exploited the 2nd respondent sexually under a false promise of marriage after a three-year consensual relationship.

Who it concerns: The matter concerns the Appellant (Martanda Singh) and the Respondents (State of Chhattisgarh and the 2nd respondent/complainant). The Bench consisted of Justices J. B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran.

What the court decided

• The Court found no criminal culpability on the appellant, determining that the consent for the physical relationship was not coerced or obtained through misrepresentation.
• The charge-sheet (Charge Sheet No.199 of 2025) was quashed.
• The pending Session Case No.216 of 2025 before the Additional Sessions Judge (FTC), Bilaspur (C.G.) was ordered to be closed.
• The appeal was allowed.
• Any pending applications were rejected.

Also in the document

• The Court noted that the 2nd respondent did not appear in court despite being served.
• The Court observed that an undertaking to marry given at a Mahila Thana Counselling Centre under the threat of criminal prosecution is unenforceable and does not constitute a valid promise to marry in this context.
• The Court emphasized that a criminal prosecution cannot be used as a 'strong-arm tactic' to force a marriage.