Kochi: The High Court has raised the question of whether sexual relations that took place during a love affair can later be considered rape if the relationship breaks down. The issue came up while hearing the anticipatory bail plea of rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali), accused of sexually exploiting a woman doctor under the promise of marriage. The Court has temporarily stayed Vedan’s arrest.

The case was heard by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas. During the hearing, the complainant’s counsel submitted that two other women had also filed complaints against Vedan before the Chief Minister. However, the Court orally observed that the complainant should confine her arguments to her own case, and that circumstances vary in each matter. The Court specifically asked whether a mere breakup would turn a consensual physical relationship into rape.

The complainant’s lawyer alleged that Vedan was a habitual sexual offender. It was pointed out that when MeToo allegations were earlier raised against him, Vedan had publicly apologized, showing that he considered women as mere objects. The Court, however, clarified that media reports and Facebook posts could not be treated as authentic legal documents. The Court also questioned how the Chief Minister could intervene in criminal cases.

Hearing on Vedan’s anticipatory bail plea is still ongoing.