‘Valentine’s Day Friendship No Excuse for Forced Sex’: Delhi High Court Denies Bail in POCSO Case

The Delhi High Court denied bail to an accused in a POCSO case, holding that a minor’s friendly interaction or meeting on occasions like Valentine’s Day cannot be construed as consent for sexual relations.

The Court emphasised that consent must be clear and voluntary, and in cases involving minors, the question of consent is legally immaterial.

Relying on school records confirming the victim’s age as 17, along with consistent statements and supporting DNA evidence, the Court found a strong prima facie case.

It rejected the defence of a consensual relationship and held that serious allegations supported by evidence outweigh claims for bail.

[Wasim Akhtar v. State (GNCT of Delhi)]