#Rape Laws

Patna High Court sets aside rape conviction, ruling that mere presence or association without evidence of an overt act or shared intention cannot sustain liability under Sections 376/34 IPC. The judgment reinforces that vicarious criminal liability demands proof of active participation or pre-arranged plan, not just proximity to the crime.

Karnataka High Court rules that even a decade-long consensual relationship does not preclude investigation into rape charges if coercion or cheating is alleged. The court emphasized that consent must be free and voluntary, and claims of duress warrant judicial scrutiny under Section 376 IPC and BNSS procedures.

Allahabad High Court sets a high bar for rape convictions, requiring victim testimony to be unimpeachable and free from material contradictions. The ruling underscores that even in heinous crimes, evidentiary standards cannot be diluted, impacting prosecution strategies in sexual assault cases.