Delhi High Court: Parental Settlements Cannot Undermine Legal Rights of Child Sexual Assault Victims

The Delhi High Court ruled that children who are victims of sexual assault under the POCSO Act have independent legal rights that cannot be diluted by parental settlements.

In a case where a minor girl accused her father of assault and the mother was also booked for not reporting the offence, the court denied the father’s bail. 

It emphasized that the legal system must protect children even if their own parents fail to do so.

The court underscored the importance of addressing emotional trauma and ensuring justice for vulnerable children.