Rape, POCSO Cases Cannot Be Quashed Solely on Victim’s Request : Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court ruled that serious offences like rape and Pocso Act violations cannot be quashed solely based on the victim’s request. 

The judgment came after a victim and her mother wanted to dismiss charges against a dance teacher and his wife.

The victim, a minor in 2015, alleged that the teacher sexually exploited her under false promises of a film career and marriage. When the accused married someone else, the victim informed his wife, who allegedly facilitated their interactions. 

In 2020, she retracted her statement after reaching adulthood, but the court rejected their plea, citing prima facie evidence.

The court directed the trial to conclude within three months.