Delhi HC: Law Should Evolve to Recognize Consensual Adolescent Love
The Hon’ble Delhi High Court stressed that adolescents should be allowed to have consensual relationships without fear of criminalization. Hon’ble Justice Jasmeet Singh stated that love is a natural human experience and the law should evolve to recognize and respect adolescent relationships, focusing on preventing abuse rather than punishing love.
The Hon’ble court upheld a trial court’s 2020 acquittal of a man under the POCSO Act, noting that the 16-year-old girl had given clear consent. It ruled that without definitive proof of the girl’s minority, a conviction would be unjust, especially when the age gap is small. However, stricter scrutiny is needed if documents prove the victim is under 14 or 15.
The Hon’ble court acknowledged that POCSO does not differentiate between forced and consensual relationships involving minors but emphasized considering a minor’s firm and unshaken consent in close-age cases.
The judgement can be read here-
Leave a Reply