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False promise of marriage law does not apply to women: Karnataka High Court
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News18•08-10-2026, 19:45
False promise of marriage law does not apply to women: Karnataka High Court
- •The Karnataka High Court ruled that women cannot be accused under Section 69 of the BNS regarding physical relations under a false promise of marriage.
- •Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde partially quashed criminal proceedings under Section 69 against a female petitioner.
- •The court maintained that the serious charge of establishing relations through fraud does not apply to female accused.
- •Investigation into other charges involving blackmail and the IT Act against the woman will continue.
- •The case originated from a complaint where a woman alleged the petitioner's husband made false marriage promises.
Key Questions Answered
No, the Karnataka High Court clearly declared that no woman can be accused or charged under Section 69 of the BNS, which addresses establishing physical relations through a false promise of marriage or deception.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde of the Karnataka High Court while partially quashing criminal proceedings ongoing against a woman.
While clearing her of the Section 69 charge due to her gender, the court ordered the continuation of investigations into other matters related to blackmailing and the IT Act.
