The Marriage Obsession: The Need For A Broader Interpretation Of Section 69 Of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- IJLLR Journal
- Aug 4
- 1 min read
Y Jivith Vasumaan, BBA LLB, PES University
ABSTRACT
Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 was introduced to address situations where consent to sexual intercourse is obtained through certain forms of deceit. Although the provision covers different kinds of deception, such as false promises of employment, promotion, marriage, or concealment of identity, discussions surrounding the section have largely focused on cases involving false promises of marriage. As a result, the other forms of deceits mentioned in the provision have received comparatively lesser attention.
This paper argues that treating Section 69 primarily as a provision dealing with marriage-related deception narrows its scope and limits the protection that the legislature intended it to have. The wording of the section suggests that Parliament intended to recognise multiple forms of dishonest inducement capable of influencing consent, rather than giving special importance to any one category. A narrow interpretation may therefore overlook victims who have been induced into sexual relations through other deceptive means expressly covered by the law. The paper also focuses on a broader and more balanced understanding of Section 69. Such an approach would better reflect legislative intent and ensure that the provision remains relevant to the various forms of deceit it was designed to address.
