The Himachal Pradesh High Court granted bail to an astrologer accused of obtaining sexual relations through a false promise of marriage. The court ruled that both parties were already married, so no promise‑to‑wed crime existed.

  • The Himachal Pradesh High Court granted bail to the accused astrologer.
  • The woman alleged a false promise of marriage to obtain sexual relations.
  • The court held that both parties were already married, so no promise‑to‑wed offence was established.

New Delhi: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has granted bail to a 31‑year‑old astrologer accused of securing sexual relations on the pretext of a marriage promise. Both the petitioner and the accused were already married to other spouses and were aware of each other's marital status.

Case Background

The woman claimed that the astrologer, after examining her horoscope, advised her to seek a divorce and promised to marry her thereafter. She later became physically intimate with him, despite being married herself. The accused was also alleged to be involved with several other women.

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Court Observation

Justice Sandeep Sharma noted that since neither party had divorced their existing spouses, a genuine promise to marry could not exist. He further stated that the prosecution’s allegations had not been proven, and indefinite detention before trial would be unjustified.

"This case highlights the complexities of relationships and the importance of understanding the legal implications of one's actions."

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the ruling sets a clear precedent for future cases involving alleged false marriage promises, clarifying that such claims cannot constitute an offence when both parties are already married.

Did You Know?: This is the first time the Himachal High Court has explicitly ruled that a false promise of marriage does not constitute a crime when both individuals are already married.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What was the basis of the bail grant?
  • Why did the court conclude there was no promise‑to‑wed crime?

The court released the accused on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh with two local sureties, directing him to remain available for questioning and to attend trial proceedings regularly.