POCSO Act Misused In Cases Involving Teenage Romance: Allahabad High Court
NDTV
"While the POCSO Act's primary objective is to protect children under the age of majority (18) from sexual assault, there are cases where it has been misused, particularly in consensual romantic relationships between teenage persons " the court said in its order dated July 3.
Granting bail to a man who allegedly eloped with and married an 18-year-old girl, the Allahabad High Court has expressed concern over the POCSO Act being "misused" in cases involving consensual romantic relationships between two teenagers.
Justice Krishan Pahal said the challenge lies in distinguishing between genuine cases of exploitation and those involving consensual relationships.
"While the POCSO Act's primary objective is to protect children under the age of majority (18) from sexual assault, there are cases where it has been misused, particularly in consensual romantic relationships between teenage persons " the court said in its order dated July 3.