The Rajasthan High Court recently quashed a rape FIR after the victim and the accused entered into marriage. Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand emphasized that marriage is not just a ritual but a sacred and divine union deeply rooted in culture and tradition.
Quoting the court’s words:
“Marriage is considered a sacred union between two individuals, transcending beyond physical, emotional, and spiritual bonds. According to ancient Hindu laws, marriage and its rituals are performed to pursue Dharma (duty), Artha (possessions), and Kama (physical desire).”
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The Court highlighted that with such sanctity, marriage must be protected, and criminal proceedings should not be allowed to destroy this pious bond.
Background of the Case
The complainant met the petitioner through social media, and they became close. On the promise of marriage, they developed a physical relationship. When the complainant became pregnant, the petitioner allegedly gave her abortion pills, assuring her of marriage. However, he later stopped contacting her, leading the complainant to file an FIR under Sections 376(2)(n), 420, and 313 of the IPC.
Later, the complainant and the petitioner solemnized their marriage on December 18, 2024, and officially registered it. The complainant, appearing in person before the court, confirmed she was now living happily with the petitioner and her in-laws and did not wish to continue the case.
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The High Court relied on previous Supreme Court judgments, including Appellants v. State & Anr. and Jatin Agarwal v. State of Telangana & Anr., where FIRs were quashed after marriage between parties involved in rape allegations.
Referring to these cases, the Court noted:
“Considering the nature of allegations and realization of facts that due to misunderstanding the FIR came to be registered, and now the parties are happily married, the continuation of such proceedings would be unjust.”
The Court also explained that the concept of "compromise" means resolving disputes through mutual concessions, emphasizing that it must be treated carefully in sensitive matters.
"Marriages are pious knots in which two people are tied, not only physically but also emotionally, mentally, and psychologically... Marriage can be seen as bringing together two people, two souls, two families, and even two tribes."
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Acknowledging the happy married life of the complainant and the petitioner, Justice Dhand ruled that continuing the legal proceedings would only harm their matrimonial relationship.
The Court finally stated:
"This Court being a constitutional Court must mercifully protect the feelings and married life of the respondent who is a major lady."
Thus, the FIR and all proceedings arising out of it were quashed. However, the Court strictly cautioned that this judgment should not be treated as a precedent for quashing rape charges based solely on compromise in future cases.
Title: J v State of Rajasthan & Anr.
