Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Misuse of POCSO Act in Consensual Adolescent Relationships
The Supreme Court of India has flagged the growing misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to criminalize consensual relationships between adolescents. A Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna observed that parents often lodge complaints against boys in such relationships as a form of retribution. The court is considering issuing directions to spread legal awareness among students and men regarding the Act's provisions. The judges emphasized the need for early sensitisation on gender parity and legal literacy in school curricula to prevent the unintended criminalization of youth in situations not envisaged by the law's framers.
Key Points
- The POCSO Act is increasingly being invoked in cases of consensual relationships between minors, leading to unintended legal consequences.
- The Supreme Court suggests that ethical and behavioural training on treating women with respect should be part of education.
- Several states, including Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, have been asked to respond to the court's concerns regarding legal awareness.
- The court aims to balance child protection with the reality of adolescent behavior through better education and awareness.
Exam Facts
- The Bench included Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan.
- The court is hearing a writ petition filed by senior advocate Aabad Ponda.
- The court granted a 'last opportunity' to states that have not yet filed their responses on POCSO awareness.
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