‘Held captive on marriage pretext’: Gauhati High Court refuses relief to rape accused

The Gauhati High Court has denied granting relief to an accused individual who faces allegations of rape, cheating, and criminal conspiracy, due to the sexual intercourse taking place under a false promise of marriage. According to the court, the case is still in its preliminary stage and requires further proceedings. The man sought to have the charges and criminal proceedings against him dismissed, arguing that the relationship was consensual and the promise of marriage was not based on deceit.

However, the court found that the case demonstrated a preliminary case due to the victim's consent being obtained under a misconception of fact. The judge stated that the accused had never cooperated during the investigation, leading to his designation as an absconder in the charge sheet.