POCSO Act Never Intended to Punish Consensual Romantic Ties: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has observed that the POCSO Act, intended to protect minors from sexual exploitation, is now being misused as a tool to criminalise consensual adolescent relationships.

Justice Krishan Pahal made these remarks while granting bail to an 18-year-old boy accused of raping a 16-year-old girl. The court noted the 15-day delay in filing the FIR and the absence of medical evidence.

Justice Pahal emphasised that ignoring the victim's statement while the accused remains incarcerated constitutes a perversity of justice. He stressed that consensual relationships born out of love should be duly considered during bail hearings.