The Supreme Court of India cautioned against criminalising failed consensual relationships, observing that converting every sour relationship into a rape allegation trivialises the seriousness of the offence. The Court was dealing with allegations of rape based on a promise of marriage in a prolonged relationship between consenting adults. It noted that the relationship continued voluntarily for nearly three years, with frequent meetings, repeated consensual intimacy, and no complaint during its subsistence. The FIR was lodged much later, after disputes arose, indicating absence of coercion or deceit at the inception. The Court clarified that Section 376(2)(n) IPC targets cases of repeated rape arising from coercion, fear, or continuous deception, not long-standing consensual relationships that later fail. It further held that a promise of marriage vitiates consent only if it is false from the very beginning, made with mala fide intent, and has a direct nexus with the sexual act. A subsequent refusal to marry does not retrospectively convert consensual intimacy into rape. Expressing concern over misuse of criminal law, the Court held that continuation of prosecution would amount to abuse of process. Accordingly, it quashed the FIR and chargesheet, reaffirming that criminal law cannot be used to settle personal scores arising from failed relationships.