Karnataka HC Orders ₹75,000 Monthly Support in False Promise Case, Grants Conditional Stay
The High Court of Karnataka has delivered a significant interim ruling in a case involving allegations of rape on the false promise of marriage, directing the accused to pay ₹75,000 per month for the sustenance of the complainant and their infant child while temporarily staying criminal proceedings against him.
The order was passed by Justice M Nagaprasanna while hearing a writ petition filed by 22-year-old engineering student Srikrishna J. Rao, who had sought quashing of the case pending before a sessions court in Mangaluru under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The High Court, instead of immediately quashing the proceedings, adopted a calibrated approach by granting interim relief subject to strict financial conditions.
According to court records, the accused and the complainant, both in their early twenties, were in a consensual relationship that developed into physical intimacy, resulting in the birth of a child. The court noted that the accused is the biological father, a fact medically established and not disputed by either side. The complainant alleged that the accused had promised marriage but later reneged, forming the basis of the criminal complaint.
In a notable observation, the court stated that the young woman had been “thrust prematurely into the responsibilities of motherhood” , highlighting her financial vulnerability and the pressing needs of the 10-month-old child. Emphasising that equitable justice must balance competing interests, the court ruled that the accused’s status as a student cannot override the immediate welfare requirements of the mother and child.
The interim stay on criminal proceedings was made conditional upon the accused, either personally or through his parents, paying ₹75,000 every month. The first instalment has been directed to be paid by May 1, 2026, with subsequent payments to follow regularly. The court made it clear that this financial support is essential to ensure the sustenance, dignity, and welfare of both the complainant and the child while the legal process continues.
Legal experts note that the ruling reflects a hybrid judicial approach , blending elements of criminal law with welfare-oriented considerations typically seen in maintenance proceedings. Traditionally, criminal courts determine guilt or innocence, while financial support issues are addressed separately under family law. However, in this instance, the High Court has effectively introduced an interim welfare mechanism within an ongoing criminal matter.
The case also sits within a broader and evolving legal debate in India regarding allegations of rape based on false promises of marriage. Courts have increasingly distinguished between consensual relationships that fail and those where consent was obtained through deception. The key legal test often revolves around whether the promise to marry was made in good faith or was false from the outset.
What makes this case particularly distinct is the presence of an undisputed child, which shifts the focus beyond criminal liability to questions of responsibility and social justice. By ensuring immediate financial support, the court has sought to address the real-life consequences faced by the complainant without pre-judging the merits of the criminal case.
In addition, the court directed the complainant, her family, and relatives to refrain from engaging with the media, underscoring the need to prevent trial by public opinion and to preserve the integrity of judicial proceedings.
The matter has been tagged with connected petitions and is scheduled for further hearing on June 5, 2026. The continuation of the interim relief will depend on compliance with the court’s conditions and the outcome of subsequent legal arguments.
The ruling marks an important development in Indian jurisprudence, signalling a shift towards context-sensitive and welfare-driven justice , particularly in cases where personal relationships intersect with criminal allegations and child welfare concerns.