'Personal fallouts being given criminal colour': Allahabad HC grants bail to rape accused noting growing trend

Justice Krishnan Pahal noted while granting bail to Arun Kumar Mishra that the woman had entered into a physical relationship with the accused knowing he was married thrice in the past.

The judge also noted that the First Information Report (FIR) was filed six months after the alleged incident occurred.

Mishra's counsel argued in the court that the two had a consensual relationship, travelled together and stayed in hotels.

The counsel further said the delay in filing of the FIR originated from the personal fallout instead of a genuine grievance.

The complainant's counsel described the accused as a casanova who entices women into relationships despite marrying a number of times.

The judge also said the delay in filing of the FIR seemed to have sprung from an "emotional aftermath" of a failed relationship rather than a criminal offence.

Justice Pahal said as quoted by media, "This case is reflective of a broader societal shift, where the sanctity and solemnity once associated with intimate relationships have seen a marked decline.

"The prevalence of transient and uncommitted relationships, often formed and dissolved at will, raises critical questions about individual responsibility and the misuse of legal provisions especially when such relationships turn sour."

The court said "personal fallouts" and "emotional discord" are given criminal colour in the aftermath of "failed intimate relationships".