Supreme Court questions credibility of rape allegation in 16-year live-in relationship
Updated: Mar 6th, 2025
The Supreme Court has raised serious doubts over the credibility of a rape allegation filed by a woman against her long-term live-in partner of 16 years, emphasising that it is “hard to believe” that she continued the relationship without protest if she was being exploited under a false promise of marriage.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta made the observation while quashing criminal proceedings against a bank manager accused of rape by his live-in partner, a lecturer. The court stressed that both individuals were well-educated, maintained a consensual relationship, and visited each other even when posted in different towns.
The apex court found it hard to believe that the complainant “kept on bending to the demands” of her partner for 16 years without lodging a complaint if she truly believed she was being deceived.
Apex court remarks
The long duration of the relationship indicated that it was based on mutual consent rather than coercion.
The court ruled that such allegations lose credibility due to the prolonged nature of the relationship.
The court characterised the case as a failed relationship rather than a case of sexual exploitation.
The ruling sets a precedent that a long-term live-in relationship cannot be considered as a case of rape based on a false promise of marriage, particularly when there is no evidence of coercion.
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