India, July 25 -- Mere friendship does not grant the right to have sexual relations without consent, the Delhi high court has said while denying bail to a man accused of repeatedly raping a girl after befriending her.

The man was booked last year under the Indian Penal Code sections 376 (rape), 354D (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation), and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

In his bail petition, the man said the girl consented to sexual relations and was a major. The Delhi police opposed the bail, citing the serious nature of the allegations.

Justice Girish Kathpalia rejected the man's argument and ruled that even if the girl had consented, it was unlawful since she was a minor. "Further, even the co...