Meghalaya High Court: POCSO Cases in Consensual Adolescent Ties May be Quashed

The Meghalaya High Court has held that POCSO proceedings arising from consensual adolescent relationships may be quashed to prevent "manifest injustice."

The Bench observed that while the statutory age of consent is 18, courts must consider "ground realities," including age proximity and voluntariness.

The Court noted that rigid application in the 16–18 age group often leads to disproportionately punitive outcomes, disrupting the education of young boys.

Emphasizing Meghalaya’s unique matrilineal socio-cultural context, the Bench affirmed its inherent powers under Section 528 of the BNSS to quash cases where continuing prosecution would defeat the ends of justice.

[Shalenbor Wahlang v. State of Meghalaya]