In an important judgment, the Telangana High Court has held that a consensual relationship cannot be turned into a criminal case simply because the relationship later failed.

The Court quashed an FIR registered under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), observing that continuing the case would be an abuse of the legal process.

What the Court Held

The Telangana High Court stated that:

• The relationship between the parties was consensual in nature

• The complainant later expressed that she had no intention to continue prosecution

• The dispute was amicably settled between both parties

Based on these facts, the Court ruled that continuing criminal proceedings would be unnecessary and unjust. 

Key Legal Principle

The Court made it clear that:

1. A failed relationship does not automatically become a criminal offence
2. Consent plays a crucial role in such cases

If both parties willingly entered into a relationship, it cannot later be treated as a crime unless there was clear deceit or wrongful intention from the beginning.

Understanding Section 69 BNS

Section 69 of BNS deals with:

• Sexual relations obtained by false promise of marriage or deceit

However, courts have clarified:

• The law punishes deception, not emotional disappointment

• Mere refusal to marry after a relationship is not enough to attract criminal charges

  Why the FIR Was Quashed

  The High Court found that:

  • The relationship was mutual and voluntary

  • There was no clear evidence of false intention at the beginning

  • The complainant herself did not want to pursue the case

  Hence, the Court held that continuing the case would amount to misuse of criminal law.

  Why This Judgment Is Important

  1. Prevents Misuse of Criminal Law

  This judgment protects individuals from being wrongly prosecuted in cases of failed personal relationships.

  2. Distinguishes Between Deceit and Consent

  The Court emphasized that:

  • Deceit = Punishable

  • Consensual relationship = Not a crime

  3. Protects Personal Liberty

  The ruling ensures that criminal law is not used as a tool for revenge or pressure.