Orissa HC Quashes POCSO Charges Against Muslim Man Who Married Victim

The Orissa High Court quashed POCSO and IPC charges against a Muslim man accused of kidnapping and having sexual relations with a minor Hindu girl, as they later married and now lead a peaceful matrimonial life.

The petitioner alleged that the accused took her minor daughter along with gold ornaments and cash. However, after the girl attained majority, they solemnized their marriage.

Justice Sibo Sankar Mishra held that adolescent love affairs leading to marriage should not be criminalized unless coercion or exploitation is involved.

The Court quashed the charges and cited Rosalin Rout v. State of Odisha, emphasizing reconciliation and personal autonomy.