Pune: The District and Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Sangeeta Pahade, ruled that consensual sexual relations between two adults cannot be classified as sexual exploitation through deceit under Section 69 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The observation was made while granting bail to an accused in a case of alleged sexual exploitation.

The defense team, comprising Advocates Harshal Sunil Patil, Suraj Suryakant Madevad, and Ranjit D. Salunke, argued that the accused and the complainant, a divorced woman, became acquainted through Facebook, which eventually led to a romantic relationship.

The complainant alleged that the accused exploited her sexually between January 20 and October 19, 2024, under the pretext of marriage. Based on her complaint, a case was registered under various sections of the IPC, and a chargesheet was filed.

In the bail plea, Advocate Harshal Patil argued that the complainant is a 27-year-old educated adult who is capable of making informed decisions. It was highlighted that the accused has no prior criminal record, and no incriminating material has been seized from him.

Furthermore, the complainant had refused to undergo a medical examination, which resulted in the absence of medical evidence. The court noted that keeping the accused in custody would not serve any purpose, as there was no significant material to warrant his detention.

The court also observed that the accused was unlikely to face life imprisonment or the death penalty in this case. Considering these factors, the accused was granted bail, subject to certain conditions.