Supreme Court Warns Against Misuse of POCSO in Teen Relationships

The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning against the misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in cases involving consensual relationships between teenagers. The court emphasized that the legislation is intended to protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse, not to criminalise normal adolescent interactions. In a recent judgment, the bench clarified that invoking POCSO in such contexts could lead to unjust legal consequences for young people. The ruling urges law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to exercise caution and adhere to the Act’s original purpose when handling cases involving teenage consent.