Delhi High Court Quashes POCSO Case in Unique Circumstances

The Delhi High Court has terminated criminal proceedings in a POCSO case involving a romantic relationship between a 19-year-old man and a minor girl, citing humanitarian grounds. The court noted the couple got married willingly, have a newborn, and lives would be destroyed if the FIR was not quashed.

The Delhi High Court has put an end to criminal proceedings in a POCSO case that arose from a romantic relationship between a 19-year-old man and a minor girl. The court emphasized that if the FIR was not quashed, the lives of the couple and their newborn would be destroyed.

Passing the order on humanitarian grounds due to exceptional circumstances, the court observed that the petitioner and the 17-year-old girl, who were neighbors, got married of their own free will in August 2023. The incident came to light when the girl, in the final stages of her pregnancy, visited a hospital. Since she was a minor, the authorities informed the police, leading to the registration of an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act.

Justice Anish Dayal stated that considering the girl is now living with her parents and newborn child, and the petitioner is an adult, quashing the FIR is necessary to protect the minor child and avoid destroying the lives of three individuals. Consequently, FIR No. 378/2024 P.S. Dwarka, North Delhi, was quashed.

(With inputs from agencies.)