Engagement does not give prospective groom right to sexually exploit fiancée: Punjab & Haryana High Court

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The Punjab and Haryana High Court on 5/9/2022 held that a couple engaged and meeting each other did not give the prospective bridegroom the right or liberty to sexually exploit his fiancée without her consent [Sagar Kapoor v State of Haryana].

"The petitioner cannot get any leverage to physically exploit the fiancée against the consent during the period intervening the engagement and the marriage", the single-judge said.

"In the instant case, there is a categoric statement of the prosecutrix that the petitioner entered into physical relationship with her, despite her reluctance, refusal and denial."

"In the peculiar circumstances of the case, it is not made out that it was a case of consensual relationship," the court concluded while refusing anticipatory bail.