New Delhi

The Delhi High Court has quashed an FIR alleging rape and caste-based atrocity, observing that a consensual relationship turning sour cannot be retrospectively branded as a criminal offence.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma noted that the parties had a long-standing consensual relationship spanning nearly four years, with continued communication after the alleged incident. The court found no evidence of force, coercion, or caste-based abuse, and cited the delay in filing the FIR and absence of medical corroboration as relevant factors.

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The bench also rejected claims of sexual exploitation on the false promise of marriage and clarified that Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act applies only where offences are motivated by caste. Exercising powers under Section 482 CrPC, the court quashed the FIR and all consequential proceedings.