Delhi HC upholds rape case, rejects victim-blaming arguments

The Delhi High Court has rejected a man's request to dismiss a rape case against him. The court criticized his claims that the woman was "obsessed" with him and had unfairly pursued marriage. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made it clear that a woman's choice to enter a relationship based on a promise of marriage should not be dismissed as obsession. She noted that such an argument shifts blame to the victim, which is a misogynistic viewpoint. The case began in 2021 when a woman accused the man of rape under Section 376. She stated that he had engaged in a physical relationship with her while promising to marry her, but later broke that promise, even after meeting her family. The man argued that the woman knew about potential obstacles to their marriage, such as financial issues and family disapproval. He insisted that she was the one seeking marriage. However, the Delhi Police argued against the man's claims, stating that the woman's allegations were serious. They suggested he led her into the relationship with false promises. In her ruling, Justice Sharma dismissed the man's arguments, emphasizing that a woman's age or responsibility should not excuse the man's failure to keep his promises. The court found no reason to quash the FIR, given the serious nature of the allegations.