Allahabad High Court Quashes POCSO Case Against Husband, Says Forcing Wife Into Trial Would Be Harassment

The Allahabad High Court has quashed POCSO proceedings against a man who later married the complainant, who also supported the quashing.

The bench observed that it cannot remain a "silent spectator" or "mere bystander" when the ends of justice demand immediate intervention.

The court exercised its extraordinary jurisdiction under Section 482 CrPC, noting the parties had settled their disputes amicably and continued prosecution would serve no purpose in light of the changed circumstances.

Conclusively, noting that the parties have validly married and the victim is in support of her husband, the Court quashed the charge sheet and the entire proceedings of the criminal case.

[Ashwani Anand v. State of U.P. and 3 Ors.]