In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has imposed a cost of ₹20,000 on a woman for filing a sexual assault complaint against her live-in partner, observing that such allegations must not be made casually or recklessly. The case highlights the court’s firm stance against misuse of criminal law, especially in matters involving serious charges.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma presided over the case titled Anil Verma v. State Govt of NCT of Delhi & Anr., where the petitioner sought quashing of an FIR filed under Sections 69 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The FIR was lodged at Police Station Prashant Vihar, Delhi.
The parties had been in a close relationship for over 15 years and were living together in a live-in arrangement since January 2019. The woman alleged that the man had promised to marry her after finalizing his divorce. However, before the second motion for divorce could be filed, disputes arose between them, leading to the registration of the FIR.
The woman later admitted in court that the complaint had been lodged during a period of emotional and medical distress and clarified that she no longer wished to pursue the matter. The Court took note of her admission and the fact that the relationship had been consensual and longstanding.
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“The lodging of a complaint under Sections 69 and 351(2) of the BNS, 2023, involving serious allegations of physical assault and wrongful restraint, cannot be permitted to be filed in a casual or reckless manner,”
— Delhi High Court
While the petitioner’s counsel emphasized that continuing the case would amount to an abuse of the legal process, the public prosecutor argued that cases involving allegations of sexual exploitation should not be quashed on the basis of compromise as it dilutes the protections available to women.
“This Court cannot lose sight of the fact that if a person has been falsely implicated or if the allegations have arisen out of a genuine misunderstanding, then compelling such a person to undergo the trial would be contrary to the very principles of fairness and justice,”
— Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
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After considering all aspects, the Court quashed the FIR but imposed a cost of ₹20,000 on the woman. The Court stated that initiating criminal proceedings without due consideration harms not only the accused but also affects the integrity of the justice system.
“This cost shall be deposited with the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee within four weeks from today,”
— Delhi High Court Order
Title: ANIL VERMA v. THE STATE GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI & ANR