FALSE RAPE ALLEGATIONS: LEGAL SAFEGUARDS AND SOCIAL STIGMA

AUTHOR – AAYUSH DHANRAJ NAWALE, STUDENT AT DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR COLLEGE OF LAW (MAIN BRANCH). CONTACT EMAIL: AAYUSHNAWALE0723@GMAIL.COM

BEST CITATION – AAYUSH DHANRAJ NAWALE, FALSE RAPE ALLEGATIONS: LEGAL SAFEGUARDS AND SOCIAL STIGMA, ILE MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, 4 (2) OF 2025, PG. 281-285, APIS – 3920-0007 | ISSN – 2583-7230

Abstract

False rape allegations, although statistically uncommon, present significant legal and societal concerns. This article explores balancing victim protection by preventing the misuse of rape law. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provides legal deterrents against sexual violence while also containing provisions to punish false accusations. The judiciary responded to the evolving jurisprudence. This paper analyses legal safeguards, judicial trends, empirical data, and social consequences of the falsely accused, arguing for an approach that upholds justice without discrediting legitimate claims.

The tension between protecting genuine victims and preventing the misuse of rape laws creates a delicate balance between lawmakers and the judiciary. The Indian Penal Code exemplifies this through strong deterrents against sexual violence, while including provisions for false accusations. As courts address these cases, they must carefully weigh the evidence and consider broader implications. This study examines legal safeguards and judicial trends, exploring empirical data on the prevalence and impact of false rape allegations. The analysis covers social consequences for those falsely accused, advocating for a balanced strategy that ensures both gender justice and due process while protecting victims’ rights and those of the accused.

Keywords – False Allegations, Rape Law, BNS Section 63, Legal Safeguards, Social Stigma, Gender Justice, Due Process.