Shilpi Nama
On 15th May 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the sentence of a man convicted of rape on a false promise of marriage, after both parties expressed a mutual intent to marry.
This issue was reviewed by a panel comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, who held private discussions with both parties during the court’s recess for lunch. Following the in-chamber discussion, both individuals clearly articulated their desire to wed. The Court then encouraged the man to formally propose to the woman in the courtroom. Subsequently, they were invited to exchange flowers as a symbol of their commitment to marriage.
In its order to suspend the sentence, the Supreme Court remarked, “They (rape accused and victim) are willing to marry each other. The details of the marriage shall be worked out by the respective parents. We hope that the marriage takes place as expeditiously as possible. In such circumstances, we suspend the sentence and release the petitioner…today the petitioner appeared before this court pursuant a direction dated 6/5/2025. He shall return to jail and will be produced before the concerned sessions court as early as possible.”
Furthermore, the apex court instructed the Sessions Court handling the case to grant bail to the man, contingent upon conditions deemed appropriate by the Sessions Court. The next hearing is scheduled for 25th July, 2025. Advocate Nikhil Jain represented the victim in this case, which originated from an FIR (first information report) lodged in 2021, indicating that the man and woman had been acquainted since 2016.
They met via Facebook through his sister, and over the years, they grew close and began a physical relationship. She alleged he repeatedly promised marriage, which led to her consent. When he later refused, citing his mother’s disapproval, she filed a case. In September 2024, a trial court convicted him under IPC Sections 376(2)(n) (repeated rape) and 417 (cheating), sentencing him to 10 years and 2 years respectively. His plea for sentence suspension was rejected by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, prompting an appeal to the Supreme Court.
The case gained national attention due to its complexity. Ultimately, the Supreme Court temporarily suspended his sentence after both parties expressed willingness to marry, citing potential for rehabilitation.
Case Name: Sandeep Singh Thakur v. State of Madhya Pradesh
Case Number: SLP(Cr.) 4951/2025
Bench: Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma
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