Delhi High Court flags ‘emerging trend’ of rape allegations in matrimonial disputes
The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over an emerging trend of using rape and sexual harassment allegations as leverage in matrimonial disputes. The court stayed trial proceedings in a specific case, noting that such charges are increasingly being used to force financial settlements.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant legal and social issue regarding the potential misuse of serious criminal laws in domestic litigation.
The Delhi High Court has observed that an “emerging trend” appears to be developing in matrimonial disputes where complainants invoke allegations of rape, molestation and other sexual offences to pressure in-laws into hefty settlements.
Justice Girish Kathpalia made the remarks while staying the trial proceedings in an FIR alleging cruelty, rape, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against two brothers-in-law of a woman.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the two brothers-in-law, seeking quashing of an FIR registered at Sangam Vihar Police Station . The petitioners contended that the criminal case was filed out of vengeance after the complainant’s husband instituted divorce proceedings in September 2023.
The senior advocate, appearing for the petitioners, contended that the FIR was a complete abuse of process as serious allegations of sexual misconduct have been levelled against them.
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