Delhi High Court Dismisses POCSO Case Amidst Consensual Relationship
Delhi HC closes POCSO case against man over consensual relationship
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) against a man involved in a consensual relationship with a minor girl. The court emphasized the need to prevent the re-victimization of the girl and considered the couple's responsibility towards their infant child.
- 01The Delhi High Court closed a POCSO case against a man due to a consensual relationship with a minor.
- 02The girl, now 17, expressed support for quashing the case to protect their family.
- 03The court highlighted the importance of considering the welfare of the child in its decision.
- 04Justice Anup J Bhambhani warned against misuse of the legal system by offenders.
- 05The ruling emphasizes the need for courts to ensure victims are acting voluntarily.
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In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has dismissed a case against a 22-year-old man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) due to his consensual relationship with a minor girl, who is now 17 years old. The court, led by Justice Anup J Bhambhani, acknowledged the couple's need to care for their eight-month-old baby and the potential destruction of their family if the prosecution continued. The FIR was registered in 2025 after medical staff at Safdarjung Hospital discovered the girl's age during childbirth. The court noted that while the consent of a minor is not legally valid, pursuing charges against the man without any alleged injury to the girl was imprudent. Justice Bhambhani emphasized the importance of ensuring that victims are not coerced or deceived into renouncing their claims. The ruling serves as a reminder for vigilance against the misuse of legal processes while also addressing the complexities of human relationships and legal frameworks.
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This ruling may influence future cases involving consensual relationships where one party is a minor, potentially altering how such cases are prosecuted.
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