Chhattisgarh High Court confirms acquittal in exploitation case

A woman from Chhattisgarh filed a case of sexual exploitation against a man she met on Facebook. She claimed he promised to marry her but later did not follow through. After the man was acquitted by a lower court, she appealed to the High Court. The High Court upheld the acquittal, stating there was not enough evidence to prove her claims. The judges noted that the woman was an adult and had consensually participated in the relationship. The court emphasized the principle of giving the benefit of the doubt to the accused when evidence is lacking. The case began in 2023 when the woman formally reported the man to the police. She alleged that their relationship included multiple sexual encounters and two coerced abortions, all under false marriage promises. However, the lower court found inconsistencies in her testimony and a lack of supporting evidence. Medical tests showed no history of pregnancy, and forensic tests found no signs of assault. The judges in the High Court reiterated that acquittals should not be overturned without strong reasons. They highlighted that the principle of innocence is vital in criminal law and that there was no reason to change the previous decision.