Supreme Court questions misuse of POCSO in teen relationships
The Supreme Court of India expressed concern over the frequent misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in cases involving consensual teenage relationships. The bench noted that criminal law is often weaponized by parents to target romantic partners when young girls elop
A Supreme Court bench has observed that parents frequently initiate criminal proceedings under the POCSO Act to safeguard perceived family honor. This observation came during a hearing where the court noted that many such cases involve consensual interactions between adolescents rather than actual predatory behavior.
The justices highlighted a growing trend where elopements are categorized as criminal offenses by family members who disapprove of the relationships. This practice, the court remarked, often leads to the unnecessary incarceration of young men and the criminalization of social behaviors among teenagers.
The court emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach when dealing with cases where the complainant is a parent rather than the minor themselves. Legal experts suggest this observation could influence how lower courts evaluate bail and quashing petitions in similar contexts where no evidence of coercion exists.
Source: Supreme Court of India hearing observations.
