Rape : A long and continued association with the appellant even after the alleged forceful acts, reasonable doubt.

Delhi High Court Acquits Kundan Singh Negi in Rape Case Amidst Doubts Over Allegations. Court questions the veracity of claims due to prolonged association and lack of corroborative evidence

In a significant judgment passed by the Delhi High Court, Kundan Singh Negi, who was previously convicted for rape and other offenses, has been acquitted. The court's decision, dated October 17, 2025, brings into focus the prosecutrix's prolonged association with the appellant and the absence of corroborative evidence to support the allegations.

The case originated from a complaint filed on November 14, 2016, by the prosecutrix, who alleged that Negi had coerced her into a sexual relationship by threatening to release a nude video of her. The prosecutrix claimed that she was subjected to physical assault, confinement, and rape over several incidents in November 2016.

During the trial, the prosecutrix testified about her ordeal, detailing instances of abuse and threats. However, the court noted that her testimony revealed a continued association with the appellant, including interactions after the alleged assaults and even following Negi's arrest. This prolonged relationship, coupled with her admission of consensual interactions, prompted the court to question the credibility of her claims.

The prosecution's case was further weakened by the absence of supportive medical evidence and the failure to examine key witnesses who could have corroborated the prosecutrix's allegations. The medical examination only revealed bruises, which did not substantiate the claim of rape.

In his judgment, Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri highlighted the inconsistencies and contradictions in the prosecutrix's deposition. He emphasized that the prosecutrix continued to engage with the appellant, stayed with him in a hotel, and even planned to marry him. This conduct, according to the court, suggested a consensual relationship rather than one based on coercion or threat.

The court drew parallels with a previous Supreme Court ruling in the case of Prashant v. State of NCT of Delhi, where similar circumstances led to the quashing of charges under Section 376(2)(n) IPC. The judgment underscored the principle that the mere breakdown of a consensual relationship cannot be grounds for criminal prosecution.

Ultimately, the Delhi High Court concluded that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt, granting the benefit of doubt to the appellant. The court acquitted Kundan Singh Negi and set aside the previous conviction and sentence.

This judgment underscores the importance of corroborative evidence in criminal proceedings and the need for a thorough examination of all aspects of the case. It also reflects the judiciary's cautious approach in cases where allegations are not supported by substantive evidence.

Bottom Line:

The prosecutrix's deposition indicated a long and continued association with the appellant, including after the alleged forceful acts and the appellant's arrest - The prosecution's failure to examine witnesses who could corroborate the allegations and the medical evidence not supporting the claims of rape created doubts about the veracity of the allegations - The appellant was acquitted as the prosecution failed to establish the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code Sections 376, 323, 342, 506; Section 374(2) Cr.P.C.; Section 428 Cr.P.C.; Section 164 Cr.P.C.; Section 313 Cr.P.C.

Kundan Singh Negi v. State, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2796313