|Jharkhand High Court
Mala fide intent at promise needed for IPC 376 rape conviction on false promise | Rape conviction overturned : Jharkhand HC
The Jharkhand High Court held that, for an IPC 376 rape charge based on a false promise to marry, the prosecution must prove the accused's mala fide intention at the time of the promise and a direct nexus to the sexual act. Without such proof, the conviction cannot be sustained. This decision clarifies the evidentiary standard in false-promise rape cases and affects prosecutors, defence counsel and victims alike.