Image used for representative purpose only. (freepik)
New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, a 46-year-old man in Mumbai secured pre-arrest bail in a rape case by presenting a 'live-in relationship agreement' that he claims absolves him of any accusations of sexual harassment. The Mumbai court granted him bail on August 29 based on this unusual defense. However, the case has taken a contentious turn as the woman who filed the complaint disputes the validity of the document.
The 29-year-old woman, employed as a caregiver, has challenged the authenticity of the document, alleging that her signature on the agreement is forged. She claims that her partner, a government employee, had made a promise of marriage before allegedly committing multiple acts of rape during their cohabitation.
The police are currently investigating the agreement's legitimacy and the circumstances surrounding its creation. The woman asserts that the document does not reflect her consent and disputes its terms.
The defense attorney, Sunil Pandey, has labeled the case as fraudulent, arguing that the agreement proves the consensual nature of their relationship. "The applicant has been falsely implicated. The agreement shows that both parties agreed to live together without legal repercussions for any disputes. The woman signed the document, and the agreement supports the accused's position," Pandey stated.
The agreement, reportedly a seven-point document, outlines the terms of the live-in arrangement from August 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. It includes clauses that prohibit legal action for sexual harassment during this period and stipulate conditions regarding cohabitation, separation, and the responsibilities of both parties.
Key clauses of the agreement include:
The validity of this agreement and the claims made by both parties are under scrutiny. As the investigation continues, the case has sparked discussions about the legality and enforceability of such documents in personal relationships.
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