What is the 'no strings attached' bail ruling by the Delhi High Court?

The Delhi High Court recently granted bail in a rape case, noting that the relationship between the complainant and accused appeared to be 'no strings attached' and not based on a false promise of marriage. This nuanced view of consent played a key role in the decision.

Does a false promise of marriage always amount to rape under Indian law?

Not necessarily. Courts assess the genuineness of the promise and the nature of the relationship. If both parties willingly enter into a casual relationship, it may not amount to rape, as reaffirmed in this case.

Can victims still seek justice in such cases?

Yes, but the court will examine the intent, timelines, and consistency of the statements. Legal outcomes will depend on facts and whether consent was vitiated by deception.

How can Prime 8 Legal help with false promise of marriage or consent-related legal issues?

Our criminal litigation team offers confidential consultations for both victims and the accused in complex consent-related matters. We assist clients in Delhi, Gurgaon, and across India and abroad.

When Consent Meets Complexity: High Court’s ‘No Strings Attached’ Bail Ruling Explained

prime8legal
Jun 25, 2025
3 min read

BHARTIYA NYAYA SANHITA - SECTION 69 — Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) addresses sexual intercourse obtained through deceitful means, specifically a false promise to marry

A Judgment that Redefines the Legal Boundaries of Consent

In a recent and closely watched case, the Punjab & Haryana High Court granted bail to a man accused of rape under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — India’s new criminal code that replaced Section 375 of the IPC. The court observed that the relationship between the complainant and accused could be considered “no strings attached”, and that the evidence did not show deceit at the outset of the relationship.

At Prime 8 Legal, we decode what this ruling means for the general public, especially for those in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR, where such cases are increasingly filed.

Background of the Case

The complainant and the accused were colleagues in Gurgaon.
They were in a consensual relationship for over two months.
The complainant alleged she was promised marriage and later abandoned after becoming pregnant.
A miscarriage followed, allegedly due to emotional distress.

However, the High Court examined chat records and transcripts where the complainant:

Admitted to consenting voluntarily.
Threatened the accused about interfering with his other relationships.
Never established that the promise of marriage preceded physical relations.

What the Court Said

Key Observations:

The relationship may have been casual or without commitment.
The promise of marriage was not proven to be false from the beginning.
The miscarriage could not be directly linked to the accused.
Since the investigation was complete, custody was not needed.

“Possibility of a ‘no strings attached’ relationship cannot be ruled out,” the Court remarked.

Legal Significance: Understanding Section 69 of BNS

Under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a man can be prosecuted for rape if he has sexual intercourse with a woman under a false promise of marriage.

✅ But to convict:

The promise must have been false at the time of making it.
Consent must be obtained by deception, not just regret or abandonment later.

Local Context: Gurgaon, Delhi NCR Working Professionals

With rising cases from workplaces in Gurgaon, Cyber Hub, and South Delhi, this judgment is highly relevant to:

Young professionals in live-in relationships
Individuals involved in relationships with future uncertainty
Those navigating complex breakups or pregnancy-related disputes

Prime 8 Legal advises both complainants and accused in such sensitive matters to document consent, context, and clarity of intent.

Why This Matters in Gurgaon & Delhi

Gurgaon has seen a rise in workplace-related consent disputes.
Delhi courts are frequently approached for rape-on-promise FIRs that later unravel during trial.
This ruling sets precedent for early bail where evidence suggests ambiguity in intention and consent.

🏢 If you work in Gurgaon’s corporate belt, this ruling could influence future bail outcomes and legal strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “no strings attached” mean in legal context?

It refers to a casual relationship without commitment or future promises, especially marriage. If both parties agree voluntarily, courts may not see it as rape under false pretense.

2. Can someone be jailed for backing out of marriage after sex?

Only if the promise of marriage was false from the beginning and used to manipulate consent.

3.What is Section 69 BNS?

It’s the new legal provision under India’s criminal law that replaces IPC’s Section 375, covering sexual offences and consent.

4. How do courts decide if the promise was false?

Courts look at chats, emails, witness statements, and whether the relationship was mutually understood as serious or not.

Prime 8 Legal’s Perspective

This case highlights the thin line between failed relationships and criminal liability. While false promises must be punished, consensual relationships based on mutual understanding should not be criminalized unfairly.

If you're facing such a situation—whether as a complainant or as the accused—legal clarity and early intervention are crucial.

Need Legal Advice in Gurgaon or Delhi?

Prime 8 Legal helps individuals in:

Rape-on-promise cases under BNS
Live-in relationship disputes
Maternity and mental distress claims
Bail hearings and anticipatory guidance

👉 Schedule a confidential consultation with our Gurgaon legal team today.

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