Allahabad, India — In a controversial ruling, the Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Abhishek, the accused in a case involving the rape of a minor girl, after he reportedly promised to marry the victim and accept their newborn child. The decision, which has drawn significant attention, raises questions about the legal and ethical implications surrounding such cases. The court's ruling came after it was revealed that Abhishek had lured the victim, who is reported to be 15 years old, into a relationship under the pretense of marriage.
Following the incident, the victim became pregnant, at which point the accused allegedly threatened her and denied any commitment to marriage. This led to the victim filing a case against Abhishek, resulting in multiple charges, including those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. During the court proceedings, Abhishek asserted that the victim was actually 18 years old, a claim disputed by the victim's legal representative. In a turn of events, the accused promised to marry the victim, which played a pivotal role in the court's decision to grant him bail.
Justice Krishna Pahl, overseeing the case, emphasized the need for a nuanced approach when dealing with adolescent relationships, highlighting the challenge courts face in distinguishing between consensual relationships and acts of coercion. In addition to the bail, the court mandated that Abhishek establish a fixed deposit (FD) of two lakhs (200,000) Indian Rupees in the name of the newborn child, reinforcing his responsibility towards the child.
The court further stipulated that he must marry the victim within three months of his release from incarceration. The decision has sparked a mix of reactions from legal experts, activists, and the public, with many questioning the implications of allowing marriage as a remedy in cases of sexual violence against minors. As the case develops, it remains to be seen how this ruling will impact future cases and the broader conversation about consent and justice in India.