Supreme Court Strikes Down High Court's 'Objectionable' Observations in Sexual Assault Case

The Supreme Court set aside a Calcutta High Court order acquitting an accused in a sexual assault case. The high court had made controversial remarks advising adolescent girls to control sexual urges. The Supreme Court criticized these observations as objectionable and unwarranted, leading to several directives for authorities and judiciary on handling POCSO cases.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday annulled an order from the Calcutta High Court, which had acquitted an alleged sexual assault offender and made controversial remarks advising adolescent girls to control sexual urges.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan issued comprehensive directions for handling cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and guidelines on judicial writing.

The apex court previously criticized the high court's observations as highly objectionable and unwarranted, stating that judges should not include personal preaching in their judgments.

(With inputs from agencies.)