Indian Supreme Court sets free rapist after he proposes marriage to survivor in court

The Supreme Court of India on May 15 suspended the 10-year prison sentence of a man convicted of rape, after he proposed marriage to the survivor during a court hearing. The case, which originated in Madhya Pradesh, involves allegations of repeated sexual assault over several years under the pretext of marriage.

The man was convicted under Section 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code for repeated rape, and Section 417 for deception. The survivor filed a First Information Report (FIR) in 2021, alleging that the accused had assaulted her multiple times since 2016, after the two connected on Facebook.

She claimed he had repeatedly promised to marry her, only to withdraw later, citing family pressure.

A trial court sentenced him to 10 years in prison in 2024, a decision subsequently upheld by the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

During the Supreme Court session, the man proposed to the survivor in court. Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, after private consultations with both parties and their families, supported the proposal.

The two exchanged flowers in a symbolic gesture, after which the Court suspended the man’s sentence and granted him bail.

His release was made conditional on terms set by the Sessions Court in Madhya Pradesh.

The case has been adjourned until July 25, with the Court noting that both families would make arrangements for the marriage.


Justice Nagarathna stated that both parties had expressed a mutual intention to marry.

The decision has sparked widespread debate online, with many users expressing alarm over the legal and ethical implications.

One Facebook comment read,  “Completely manipulative. You can’t establish strong matrimonial bonds on the foundation of abuse. He was an abuser and will continue to be one. What a tragedy.”

Another user remarked, “What a disgrace. The system has just offered him a second chance without any accountability.”