Case pertains to alleged sexual relationship on false promise of marriage
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has granted pre-arrest bail to a government officer accused of entering into a physical relationship with a woman on the false pretext of marriage.
In an order pronounced on Wednesday, Justice Neela Gokhale allowed the anticipatory bail application filed by Manthan Naik, who is booked under Sections 69, 115(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Section 69 pertains to sexual intercourse obtained by deceitful means, including false promises of marriage, employment or promotion.
The Court noted that the applicant had earlier been granted interim protection in December 2025 and that there were no prima facie instances of misuse of that liberty. “There are no prima facie reports of the applicant having misused the liberty granted to him,” the Court recorded while confirming the interim relief.
During the hearing, the prosecution opposed the plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
The complaint was filed on October 28, 2025, by a woman who alleged that she had entered into a sexual relationship with the applicant on the assurance of marriage. The order records that there were talks of marriage even between the families of the parties, but disputes arose after the complainant learnt that the applicant was in contact with another woman. The officer later refused to marry her, following which the complaint was lodged.
Taking note that the chargesheet has since been filed, the court observed that custodial interrogation was not necessary at this stage. “I do not find any impediment in confirming the order… Hence, I deem it fit to grant pre-arrest bail to the Applicant,” the Bench held.
The court directed that in the event of arrest, the applicant be released on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety. It also imposed several conditions, including that the applicant shall not tamper with evidence, contact the complainant or witnesses, or leave the country without prior permission of the court. He is also barred from entering the jurisdiction of Taleigao village till the complainant’s statement is recorded before the trial court.
The court clarified that its observations are prima facie in nature and confined to the consideration of the bail application.
