'Do not trust anyone before marriage', Supreme Court commented on rape in live-in relationships
The Supreme Court of India advised caution regarding premarital relationships, emphasizing that parties involved should not blindly trust one another before marriage, during a hearing involving a rape case linked to false promises of marriage.
The Supreme Court of India opined that individuals entering into premarital relationships should exercise caution and be wary of placing trust in one another before marriage. In a case related to accusations of rape based on false promises of marriage, the bench, consisting of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuiyan, advised both parties to maintain vigilance and act sensibly in their relationships. The court noted that prior to marriage, a boy and girl are 'completely unknown' to each other, which necessitates careful consideration regarding physical relationships.
During the proceedings, the justices remarked that the relationship appeared consensual at first glance. Justice Nagarathna highlighted the need for caution, suggesting that societal norms might influence their views, but the reality remains that individuals do not fully know each other before marriage. Her emphasis was on the importance of not blindly trusting one another and taking precautions before entering into any physical relationship.
The case originated from an incident where the accused allegedly misled the woman into believing they would marry, engaging in physical relations and later criminal acts, including taking her to Dubai and creating objectionable videos. The court's statements raise significant questions about consent, trust in relationships, and the evolving legal perspectives on interpersonal relationships in modern society.