Punjab & Haryana High Court Refuses to Quash POCSO FIR Despite Marriage With Victim

The Punjab and Haryana High Court rejected a plea to quash a 2013 POCSO case against a man who later married the 13-year-old victim and had four children with her.

The Court ruled that compromises in such cases are illegal and against public policy, stressing that minors cannot legally consent due to their psychological immaturity. 

Despite the accused claiming a misunderstanding, he was declared a proclaimed offender in 2014 and re-arrested in 2023. Another FIR from 2014 involving the same victim remains under investigation.

The Court emphasised the legislative intent of the POCSO Act and refused to quash the FIR under Section 482 CrPC.