The Delhi High Court has observed that an “emerging trend” appears to be developing in matrimonial disputes where complainants invoke allegations of rape, molestation and other sexual offences to pressure in-laws into hefty settlements.
Justice Girish Kathpalia made the remarks while staying the trial proceedings in an FIR alleging cruelty, rape, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against two brothers-in-law of a woman.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the two brothers-in-law, seeking quashing of an FIR registered at Sangam Vihar Police Station . The petitioners contended that the criminal case was filed out of vengeance after the complainant’s husband instituted divorce proceedings in September 2023.
The senior advocate, appearing for the petitioners, contended that the FIR was a complete abuse of process as serious allegations of sexual misconduct have been levelled against them.
The senior advocate argued that while the FIR lodged on April 15, 2024, contained no allegation of rape, the complainant introduced the allegation for the first time in her statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on June 15, 2024, claiming that the alleged offence had occurred in 2017. The petitioners stated that there is “no whiff of explanation” as to why the complainant remained silent for so long.
During the hearing, the court remarked that following the Supreme Court’s judgment in Arnesh Kumar v State of Bihar (2014), which curtailed automatic arrests in matrimonial disputes cases, “a trend is setting in where the complainants have started alleging such serious charges of rape, molestation and similar other sexual misconduct only to ensure that the in-laws of the complainant are compelled to settle the matrimonial disputes by paying hefty amounts”.
Till further orders, the court directed that proceedings before the trial court will remain stayed. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 17, 2026.
Published - July 11, 2026 04:25 pm IST