'Panchayat Not Court of Law': Orissa High Court Rules Sexual Offences Cannot be Settled via Marriage Promises

The Orissa High Court ruled that village Panchayats and Sarpanches lack the judicial authority to settle serious crimes like child sexual abuse through brokered marriages.

The Court upheld the 20-year conviction of a man who repeatedly assaulted a minor, noting that a subsequent marriage does not act as a "legal solvent" for initial criminal liability.

The Court condemned the rural practice of village elders convening to stifle criminal complaints, emphasizing that Section 19 of the POCSO Act mandates reporting such cases to the police.

Directing District Magistrates to sensitize local representatives that sexual offences are not subject to private settlement.

[Sanat Kumar Pradhan v. State of Odisha]