High court upholds acquittal in sexual assault case, cites consent and lack of evidence

RAIPUR: A woman met a man on Facebook during 2018-2019, developing a friendship that evolved into a romantic relationship. He allegedly exploited her sexually, promising marriage but later declined. After a lower court acquitted him, she approached the High Court, which maintained the previous ruling, noting her adult status and consensual participation.
The Court sustained the acquittal of a 25-year-old man in a sexual assault case, citing insufficient evidence. The division bench, consisting of Justice Sanjay Agrawal and Justice Radhakishan Agrawal, delivered their judgment regarding the complainant's appeal against the acquittal.
The complainant alleged sexual exploitation spanning several years under marriage promises. According to the prosecution, the accused established a relationship with her after their Facebook encounter. This led to multiple sexual encounters, purportedly under false marriage commitments, and two coerced abortions.
On April 26, 2023, the complainant filed a formal report, leading to an FIR against the accused under IPC Sections 376, 376(2)(n), 294, 506 Part-II, and 313. Subsequently, the First Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court) in Bemetara acquitted the accused on July 30, 2024, due to evidential discrepancies.
The trial court noted the complainant's statements lacked supporting evidence. Medical examinations showed no pregnancy history, and forensic tests revealed no assault evidence. The court also noted the complainant's voluntary continuation of the relationship, undermining the prosecution's arguments.
The complainant contested the verdict in the High Court, which upheld the previous ruling, stating that acquittals should not be overturned without substantial cause. The bench, referencing Supreme Court precedents, determined that when two interpretations exist, the accused receives the benefit of doubt.
"The trial court's judgment does not suffer from any perversity or illegality. In criminal jurisprudence, the presumption of innocence is strengthened when an accused has been acquitted by the trial court. There is no sufficient ground for interference in this case," the division bench stated in its judgment.