Supreme Court to Centre: Decriminalise Adolescent Consensual Acts Under POCSO, Frame Sex Education Policy

The Supreme Court of India has advised the central government to consider decriminalizing consensual romantic relationships among adolescents under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. 

The Court emphasized that the rigid application of the Act in such cases could lead to outcomes misaligned with the best interests of the involved minors. 

Additionally, the Court has called for the formulation of a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education policy to enhance awareness among young people. 

An expert committee is to be formed to examine these issues and submit a report by July 25, 2025.