Uttarakhand High Court Grants Interim Relief to Minor in Consensual Relationship Case

The Uttarakhand High Court granted interim relief to a 15-year-old boy booked in a kidnapping and sexual assault case involving a girl of the same age.

Justice Alok Mahra stayed proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board, noting that the relationship appeared consensual.

The Court referenced Supreme Court precedents advocating for leniency in adolescent relationships where no force is involved. Defense counsel argued that the girl voluntarily invited the boy to her house and medical evidence showed no signs of coercion.

The Court observed that detaining the minor in an observation home could adversely impact his future prospects.

[State of Uttarakhand v. Minor Accused]