Kerala High Court Quashes POCSO Case Against Youth as Girl Continues Romantic Relationship

The Kerala High Court has quashed a POCSO case against a youth after the minor girl, now above 18 years, stated that they are in a consensual romantic relationship and intend to marry.

The Court noted that the victim and the petitioner were schoolmates who were in a romantic relationship, which turned intimate on a few occasions when the victim was 17 ½ years old, with the full consent of both.

The court noted that continuing prosecution would harm their future and serve no justice, as the relationship was mutual and not exploitative. The court balanced protective intent of POCSO with realities of consensual adolescent relationships.

The Court allowed the petition and quashed the criminal proceedings against the petitioner.