'Rapist' bailed out for a month to wed victim
It has been six years since a young man had sex with his 16-year-old girlfriend. Even though the sexual relationship was consensual among the two, legally it comes under rape. Therefore, the young man has been in judicial custody ever since. The court released one-month bail to the 'rapist' so that he could marry the 'victim'. The case recently occurred in Odisha. Odisha High Court's Justice SK Panigrahi released the 26-year-old boy on bail.
Background of the Case
The case started in 2019. It is alleged that the Odisha boy had fallen in love with a 16-year-old girl. Apparently, ever since, he had intercourse with her numerous times under the guise of marriage. The girl also conceived twice in 2020 and 2022. Both instances, her boyfriend reportedly made her undergo an abortion. Eventually, in 2023, the young woman lodged a case of rape against her boyfriend under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Upon her complaint, the boyfriend was arrested.
Interim Bail Granted for Marriage
A short while ago, the young man moved the court for interim bail in the case. It was alleged that his and the young woman's families have agreed to marry them. Subsequently, the High Court allowed his bail. The young man accused of rape has been granted bail for one month so that he can marry the young woman. The court observed that their relationship was consensual, not forced or exploitative.
Court's Rationale for Bail
Justice SK Panigrahi informed the court, "Though the allegation is serious from a legal perspective, in this case it has been noticed that there was no considerable difference between the age of the accused and the complainant. Further, prior to lodging the complaint, the two were in an intimate relationship. Therefore, everything occurred with mutual consent." The court went on to argue that now the two are going to marry with the consent of both the families. Therefore, the accused is being allowed 'temporary relief' looking at the future of the two. However, the judge stated that the court's ruling would also see to it that the ongoing investigation or rule of law is not undermined.
