A 46-year-old Mumbai man has been granted pre-arrest bail in a rape case after presenting a “live-in relationship agreement” as evidence. The man claims the document, which allegedly outlines terms of their relationship, includes a clause stating that neither party would file any sexual harassment charges against the other.
The Woman’s Allegations and Legal Dispute
The 29-year-old woman, who filed the rape case, asserts that her signature on the document is forged. She alleges that the man, who had promised to marry her, raped her multiple times while they were living together. The woman works as a caregiver for the elderly, while the accused is a government employee.
The police are now investigating the authenticity of the so-called relationship pact. Meanwhile, the man’s lawyer, Sunil Pandey, claims that his client has been falsely implicated and is a “victim of circumstances.”
Details of the “Live-In Relationship Agreement”
The agreement, according to the accused, consists of seven points, including a clause that the couple would live together from August 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. It also states that neither party would file any sexual harassment complaints against the other during this period.
Other clauses include the woman’s obligation to reside at the man’s home, a requirement that she give one month’s notice before ending the relationship, and restrictions on her relatives visiting the home. The document also stipulates that the man would not be responsible if the woman became pregnant and that the woman would be held accountable if her actions caused mental trauma to the man.
Ongoing Investigation
The case has sparked debate about the validity and implications of such agreements in legal proceedings. As the investigation continues, the authenticity of the agreement remains under scrutiny, and the court’s decision has raised questions about the use of private agreements in criminal cases.
