POCSO Act Not Meant To Breakdown Happy Family Relationship: Meghalaya High Court Quashes Proceedings Against Minor's Partner

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The Meghalaya High Court, while quashing a POCSO FIR against a minor's partner, reiterated that rigours of the Act may not be applied to break down a happy family relationship. Such cases must be decided by taking a sympathetic view towards the accused, who is in a consensual relationship with the minor, in the instant case almost 18 years of age.

The accused was booked after the minor was admitted to the hospital in connection with her pregnancy and was found to be aged 17 years.

The matter was reported to the local Police which swung into action and registered a case under Section 5(j)(ii)/6 of the POCSO Act, 2012.

The minor submitted that their union was blessed by the family members of both sides and therefore, the continuation of the criminal proceedings would not be for ends of justice.