STATE OF MAHARASHTRA vs PRIYA SHARAN MAHARAJ

The Supreme Court addressed the offenses under Sections 363, 366, and 376 IPC concerning the kidnapping and rape of young girls by Kripalu Maharaj and his accomplices. The Court emphasized that the use of religious manipulation to coerce consent constitutes a grave violation of personal autonomy and dignity, thereby affirming the need for stringent action against such exploitation. The Court upheld the charges against the accused, reinforcing the legal principle that consent obtained through deceit or coercion is invalid under criminal law.