Karnataka High Court Mandates ₹75k Monthly Support in "Promise of Marriage" Case

BENGALURU – In a significant ruling emphasizing the financial protection of victims in sexual assault cases involving a "promise of marriage," the Karnataka High Court has ordered the son of a prominent political leader to pay ₹75,000 per month for the maintenance of a victim and her infant child.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued the interim order while hearing a petition filed by the accused seeking to quash the rape charges against him. The court made it clear that while it would temporarily stay the criminal proceedings, such relief is strictly conditional upon the regular payment of maintenance.

The Core Conflict
The case involves a 22-year-old woman and the son of a local municipal council member. The two were reportedly classmates who had been in a relationship since high school. The victim alleged that physical relations occurred under a repeated promise of marriage—a promise that was allegedly rescinded after she became pregnant.

A DNA test has since confirmed that the accused is the biological father of the now 10-month-old child.

"You have killed her future"
During the proceedings, the court took a stern view of the impact on the victim's life, particularly given her family’s modest financial background (her parents are employed as daily wage and housekeeping staff).

Justice Nagaprasanna observed:
"A girl who had to see opportunities in life is now seeing a maternal life... You have killed the girl's future completely. What does she do now? Take care of the child or take care of her future?"
When the defense counsel suggested the maintenance amount be reduced, the judge instead increased the figure from an initial suggestion of ₹50,000 to ₹75,000, noting the accused’s responsibility as the biological father.

Key Directives of the Order
The court's ruling established several strict parameters for both parties as the litigation continues:

• Financial Obligation: The first installment of ₹75,000 must be paid within one week, followed by monthly deposits.
• Conditional Stay: The criminal case against the accused remains "on hold" only as long as payments are made.
• Media Gag Order: To protect the privacy of the child and the ongoing legal process, the victim and her relatives are prohibited from approaching the press until the matter is decided.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2026, where the court will further examine the merits of the quashing petition.

Discription: The Karnataka High Court recently intervened in a sensitive "rape on pretext of marriage" case, ordering the accused—the son of a prominent BJP leader—to pay ₹75,000 monthly maintenance to the victim and her 10-month-old child.

Justice M. Nagaprasanna stayed the criminal proceedings but made the relief strictly conditional on this financial support. The court emphasized the biological father's responsibility after DNA evidence confirmed paternity, noting the victim's vulnerable background and the "complete destruction" of her future prospects.

The ruling is notable for its sharp focus on the victim's immediate welfare, with the judge even increasing the maintenance amount during the hearing to ensure the mother and child are not "left in the lurch" while the legal battle continues.