Supreme Court Stays Rajasthan HC Ruling That POCSO Act Doesn’t Apply to Victims Above 18

The Supreme Court has stayed a controversial Rajasthan High Court judgment, which had ruled that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act does not apply if the victim is above 18 years of age.

The apex court expressed serious concerns about the legal interpretation, noting that POCSO specifically protects children below 18 years. The stay ensures continued protection for minors until the issue is finally decided.

However, the Court clarified that in exceptional cases, trial courts may extend protections under POCSO to adult witnesses if it aids justice and psychological welfare, provided it does not prejudice the accused.