
Past sexual experience does not imply consent, says Delhi court in rape case
India Today
A Delhi court has dismissed the anticipatory bail application of 28-year-old Mumbai-based journalist, accused in a rape case.
A Delhi court has dismissed the anticipatory bail application of a 28-year-old Mumbai-based journalist, accused in a rape case, observing that previous relationship with the victim does not "imply consent". "In view of Section 53-(a) of Indian Evidence Act, which provides that evidence of character or previous sexual experiences not relevant in certain cases, including the offence under Section 376, and this provision specifically shows that previous sexual experiences with any person shall not be relevant on the issue of such consent or quality of consent. Therefore, from her previous experiences with the accused the consent cannot be implied," said Additional Sessions Judge Sanjay Khanagwal. In her complaint, the woman had alleged that she was raped by the journalist at a five-star hotel in Delhi's Chanakyapuri on February 20 this year.
As per the Bill, those involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and shall also be liable for a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Violations in respect of a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman or a person belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.

India on Monday said it has not held bilateral talks with the United States on deploying naval vessels to secure merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The clarification came after US President Donald Trump urged countries to send warships to keep the strategic waterway open amid tensions with Iran.











