Supreme Court expressed concern over the strictness of the law on relationships between minors

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the strictness of the law on relationships between minors. Regarding the POCSO Act, the law related to the protection of minors, the Supreme Court asked the Central Government to think about bringing such a provision in the law, so that relationships between teenagers formed with mutual consent are not considered a crime.

What did the Supreme Court say?

The Supreme Court says that the POCSO Act was created to protect children from exploitation, but in many cases it is being used against consensual relationships. It is often seen that due to family displeasure or social pressure, a case is registered against the boy, even though the relationship is with the consent of both.

There should be a rule like Romeo-Juliet clause in the POCSO Act.

The court suggested that there should be a rule like Romeo-Juliet clause in the POCSO Act. This would mean that if there is not much age difference and the relationship is consensual, then strict criminal action should not be taken in such cases.

Why are changes necessary?

The court said that in the present system many times the future of the youth gets spoiled. Studies are missed, they are defamed in the society and cases continue for years. The court believes that the law should be strict as well as sensible. Also, the Supreme Court made it clear that this is a matter of making law. The final decision has to be taken by the Parliament and the Central Government.

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