Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: A Fast Track Court in Panaji has sentenced a man from Baina to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a woman on the false promise of marriage, underlining the serious consequences of deception in intimate relationships.
The court also imposed a fine of ₹50,000, directing that the amount be paid to the survivor as compensation.
According to the prosecution, the case dates back to 2015, when the woman was allegedly lured into a relationship by the accused, who had assured her of marriage. The court observed that the survivor’s consent was obtained under a misconception of fact, as the promise of marriage was not fulfilled.
In its order, the court noted that the accused failed to provide any credible justification for reneging on his commitment, which had a direct bearing on the survivor’s decision to engage in the relationship.
The accused had sought leniency during sentencing, citing family responsibilities. However, the court rejected the plea, stressing the long-term psychological and social impact such offences have on survivors.
“The consequences of such actions extend far beyond the immediate incident and leave a lasting imprint on the victim’s life,” the court observed.
The court, however, acquitted the accused of charges related to forced abortion, stating that the prosecution could not substantiate the allegation with sufficient evidence.
The judgment reiterates the judiciary’s stance on consent obtained through deceit, particularly in cases involving false assurances of marriage.
