Kerala High Court Warns Against False Sexual Abuse Claims, Allows Action Against Accusers

Recently, the incidence of sexual abuse against women has significantly increased, leading to more cases in court. However, there has also been a rise in false allegations against men. In response, the Kerala High Court has issued important orders. The police clarified that they can take action against individuals who make false sexual abuse claims.

The court stated that if a woman's allegations are proven false, she may face consequences. Not all allegations of sexual abuse can be true, necessitating thorough investigations. False complaints waste the time of law enforcement and the courts, as noted by the court when granting interim bail to an accused individual.

The court acknowledged that some police officers hesitate to act on false complaints but reassured them that if their investigations are thorough, the court will support them. The harm caused by false accusations cannot be undone, so it is crucial for the police to ascertain the truth.

Justice A. Badruddin addressed a case involving a police officer accused of repeatedly having sexual relations with a woman, who alleged illegal imprisonment and rape. The accused claimed he intended to marry her but later discovered she was married with two children.

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The court concluded that the relations between the petitioner and the complainant were consensual. Consent obtained through deception constitutes a crime. The complainant argued that she engaged in sexual relations based on a promise of marriage. However, if a married woman has relations with someone else while still married, the promise becomes meaningless. The court ultimately deemed these allegations baseless.