Chhattisgarh HC Holds Voluntary Elopement of Minor Without Inducement Does Not Amount to Kidnapping

The Chhattisgarh High Court held that a minor girl voluntarily eloping with her lover does not amount to kidnapping in the absence of inducement, coercion, or active involvement by the accused.

The Court acquitted a 24-year-old man who had been sentenced under the POCSO Act, noting that there was no evidence to show he persuaded or forced the girl to leave her home.

It observed that the girl had willingly accompanied him and stayed with him without resistance or complaint.

The ruling reiterates that mere voluntary companionship, without proof of enticement, cannot attract criminal liability for kidnapping.

[Deepak Vaishnav v. State of Chhattisgarh]