Bombay High Court Refuses to Quash POCSO Case Involving Consensual Relationship with Minor Girl

The Bombay High Court at Aurangabad recently declined to quash a POCSO case against a 27-year-old man accused of having a consensual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

The Court, while acknowledging ongoing Supreme Court discussions about decriminalising consensual adolescent relationships, emphasised that it would not intervene until the Central government clarified its position.

The Court noted that the significant age gap and the accused’s awareness of the girl’s minority status made his actions legally impermissible.

The court also highlighted broader concerns about child marriage and rising teenage pregnancies in the region.