Legal Remedies for Men Falsely Accused of False Promise to Marry

Discover powerful legal remedies for men falsely accused of false promise to marry – including anticipatory bail, FIR quashing, discharge from trial, and more.

Being falsely accused under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, for making a false promise to marry can turn your life upside down overnight. Allegations under this section carry serious criminal consequences, including arrest, jail time, and social stigma.

If you or someone you know is facing such a situation, knowing your legal rights and available remedies is critical. In this guide, we explain 8 powerful legal remedies for men falsely accused of false promise to marry under Section 69 BNS.

8 Powerful Legal Remedies for Men Falsely Accused of False Promise to Marry

1. Apply for Anticipatory Bail

The moment you get to know about an FIR or a pending complaint under Section 69 BNS, your first legal step should be to apply for anticipatory bail.

Section 69 BNS is a cognizable and non-bailable offense, meaning the police have the power to arrest you without prior approval from the court.

To avoid arrest, you should immediately file for anticipatory bail under Section 438 of the CrPC (now part of the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, BNSS 2023). Courts will assess factors like your background, relationship history, nature of allegations, and available evidence before granting bail.

Getting anticipatory bail gives you breathing room to prepare your legal defense.

2. File a Petition for FIR Quashing

If the FIR is completely false, baseless, or filed with malicious intent, you have the right to approach the High Court under Section 482 of CrPC (now Section 484 of BNSS) and request quashing of the FIR.

Some common grounds for FIR quashing in Section 69 BNS cases include:

• Lack of evidence

• No ingredient of offense under Section 69 BNS

• Relationship was consensual and genuine

• The complainant’s statements are contradictory or vague

Courts have time and again quashed FIRs that appear to be a misuse of criminal law meant for personal vengeance.

3. File a Discharge Application Before Trial Begins

Even if the police file a charge sheet, you still have the right to prevent the case from going to full trial.

You can file a Discharge Application before the Magistrate Court or Sessions Court, depending on jurisdiction.

The court will evaluate whether there is any prima facie case or material evidence against you. If the judge finds that the complaint does not meet the necessary ingredients of Section 69 BNS, the court can discharge you before framing charges.

This saves you from the stress and expense of a long trial.

4. Present Documentary Evidence of a Genuine Relationship

One of the strongest defenses in false promise to marry cases is to prove that the relationship was consensual, ongoing, and genuine.

Gather and present evidence like:

• WhatsApp chats and call logs

• Emails and messages showing mutual affection

• Photos of vacations, family events, or social outings

• Proof of attempts made by you to fulfill the marriage promise, if any

Such documents help show the court that there was no fraudulent intent on your part. It also weakens the prosecution’s claim that the promise was false from the beginning.

5. File a Counter Case for Defamation or Filing a False FIR

If the complaint against you is proven to be completely false and motivated, you have the right to initiate counter-legal proceedings.

You may file:

• A criminal defamation case under Section 499 and 500 IPC (or its BNSS equivalent)

• A complaint under Section 182 IPC (giving false information to public servants)

• A civil suit for damages for loss of reputation and mental agony

Taking counter-action not only protects your name but also sends a strong message that false complaints have consequences.

6. Seek Quashing of Case Based on Compromise

Sometimes, both parties may want to resolve the dispute amicably after realizing the matter got out of hand.

In such situations, you and the complainant can enter into a settlement agreement, and then approach the High Court for quashing the case under its inherent powers.

Even though Section 69 BNS is a non-compoundable offense, Indian courts have allowed quashing based on compromise in several cases where the parties have reached mutual understanding.

This remedy can help avoid the stress of a long-drawn trial.

7. Use Digital Evidence like Chats, Recordings, and Social Media Proof

Today, most relationships leave a digital footprint.

You can submit:

• Screenshots of conversations

• Call recordings

• Social media comments and DMs

• Emails and letters

Digital evidence can often expose the true nature of the relationship, show contradictions in the complainant’s version, and highlight her own consent and willingness during the relationship.

Make sure to preserve this evidence properly and hand it over to your lawyer.

8. Expose Contradictions During Cross-Examination in Trial

If your case reaches the trial stage, your lawyer will get a chance to cross-examine the complainant.

This is where many false cases fall apart.

During cross-examination, your defense counsel can:

• Highlight contradictions between the FIR and the witness statements

• Point out inconsistencies in dates, timeline, and events

• Prove that the relationship was ongoing and consensual

• Expose any hidden motives like revenge, money disputes, or pressure

A well-conducted cross-examination can significantly improve your chances of acquittal.

👉 If you’re new to Section 69 BNS, first check out our detailed guide on What is Section 69 BNS in India? Full Legal Explanation.

👉 To understand how Section 69 BNS applies in false promise of marriage allegations, read our post on False Promise of Marriage under Section 69 BNS: Legal Meaning and Explanation.

Concluding

Being falsely accused under Section 69 BNS for a false promise to marry is a serious challenge, but the law provides enough remedies to protect innocent individuals.

The key is to act quickly, gather all your evidence, and consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the nuances of Section 69 BNS cases.

The sooner you take action, the stronger your defense becomes.