consensual sex

In a significant observation during a bail hearing, the Allahabad High Court commented on the concept of live-in relationships, The court stated that live-in goes against the "established laws" of middle-class society. The court also expressed concern over the rising number of cases involving the exploitation of women under the guise of false marriage promises.

The Supreme Court cautioned the courts against treating every breach of promise to marry as a false promise and then prosecuting the accused for rape.

Courts have frequently emphasised that consensual sex between adults performed voluntarily does not constitute rape. The Supreme Court and numerous High Courts have concluded that a broken relationship or unfulfilled marriage commitment does not automatically translate consenting sex into rape.

SC has sought the centre's response on a PIL seeking decriminalisation of consensual sex between minors of age 16 to 18.