Supreme Court Questions Validity of Rape Allegations in Live-In Relationship Case The Supreme Court addressed the legal complexities of live-in relationships during a hearing involving a woman who accused her partner of rape, assault, and exploitation. Justice BV Nagarathna, presiding over the case, emphasized that walking out of a live-in relationship does not, by itself, constitute a criminal offense. The court highlighted the distinction between consensual cohabitation and criminal sexual acts, raising concerns about the potential misuse of legal processes in such cases. The petitioner, a woman, alleged that her live-in partner had raped and assaulted her, falsely claiming the relationship was part of a marriage. However, the court stressed that the dissolution of a non-marital relationship cannot serve as grounds for criminal charges unless there is clear evidence of violence or exploitation. Justice Nagarathna questioned the validity of the woman’s allegations, noting that the relationship had been consensual. “This is a live-in relationship. She went on to have a child with the man without marriage, and now she is saying rape and assault. What is this?” she asked, challenging the narrative that a consensual relationship could lead to criminal charges. The judge acknowledged that such questions might be perceived as victim-shaming but insisted that the nature of consent is a critical factor in determining legal culpability. “Where is the question of offence when there is a consensual relationship?” she posed, underscoring the need to differentiate between lawful cohabitation and criminal behavior.#supreme_court #justice_bv_nagarathna #live_in_relationships #rape_allegations #consensual_relationship
