High Court Slams Marriage Age Argument as Misogynistic

The Delhi High Court criticized a patriarchal and misogynistic argument regarding age-related marital difficulties faced by an older woman with a younger partner. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma refused to quash an FIR against a man accused of rape under false marriage promises. The court dismissed the petition citing legal untenability.

The Delhi High Court has criticized as "patriarchal" and "misogynistic" the argument that an older woman should foresee marriage-related difficulties when involved with a younger partner. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma declined to quash an FIR against a man accused of raping a woman on the false promise of marriage, finding the argument legally untenable.

The court emphasized that a woman's decision to engage in a relationship based on specific promises should not be trivialized as mere obsession, asserting that such views impose unreasonable burdens on the victim while excusing the accused's actions. Justice Sharma labeled these arguments as lacking both legal standing and merit.

Considering the prima facie evidence and the serious nature of the allegations, the court found no justification for dismissing the FIR at this stage and thus rejected the man's petition. The woman's allegations include being coerced into maintaining a physical relationship on the false pretense of marriage, as well as financial exploitation.

(With inputs from agencies.)