The Rajasthan High Court clarified that the POCSO Act aims to protect children from genuine sexual predators, not criminalise close-in-age teenage relationships. It stressed that the law should not be misused to target young adults in consensual bonds.
The Supreme Court of India urged the Central Government to revise the POCSO Act to prevent criminalizing consensual teenage relationships. It emphasized the need for a national policy on sexual and reproductive health education to better inform adolescents about their rights. An expert committee will evaluate this sensitive issue and report by July 25.
The Delhi High Court acquitted a man accused of raping a minor, referring to the case as one of “adolescent love.” Justice Jasmeet Singh set-aside the conviction of the 19-year-old, who was implicated in the incident involving a 17-year-old girl in 2014. The court’s decision reflects a consideration of the nature of their relationship at the time.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has emphasized that the legal system should adopt a compassionate approach when dealing with criminal cases involving adolescent love. The court stressed that “understanding” should be prioritized over “punishment,” and the law must evolve to recognize relationships between adolescents that are consensual and free from coercion.
The Allahabad High Court, in Satish Alias Chand’s bail hearing, emphasized the need for nuanced judicial consideration in cases involving consensual teenage relationships under the POCSO Act. The court granted bail and directed Chand to deposit a fixed amount for the welfare of the victim’s newborn child, highlighting its proactive stance in safeguarding the child’s interests.
On 11th March, The Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized a woman’s sexual autonomy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, particularly in relation to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. The court highlighted the need for legal recognition and support for unmarried women’s reproductive rights and addressed the ethical implications of their choices.