Pune Court: Married woman's 'promise of marriage' claim invalid

• Pune court granted bail to a man accused by a married woman of fraud, physical relations, and abortion under the promise of marriage.
• The defense argued that "promise of marriage" is not applicable when the complainant is already married and relations were consensual.
• Lawyers cited a September 2024 Mumbai High Court ruling stating a married woman cannot claim rape based on a marriage promise.
• The court accepted the defense's argument, noting the complainant's marital status meant she knew marriage was not possible.
• This ruling signifies a notable legal shift in cases involving allegations of fraud by promise of marriage.

Why It Matters: Court ruling sets precedent: 'promise to marry' doesn't apply to married persons.