SC: Don’t Criminalize Teen Love Under POCSO
The Supreme Court of India ruled on August 19, 2025, that teenagers in consensual romantic relationships should not be treated as offenders under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The judges said that adolescent love is different from abuse and should not be prosecuted as a crime.
Guidance for Courts and Police
The bench stressed that law enforcement must differentiate between genuine abuse and consensual teenage romance. It noted that applying POCSO to every case involving teenagers could cause unnecessary trauma and harm, rather than protecting them. Courts and investigators were urged to apply discretion while handling such cases.
Debate Over Law Reform
This observation adds weight to the ongoing debate about whether the age of consent in India should be reconsidered. Legal experts and child rights activists have often argued that consensual teenage relationships should not attract criminal charges. Calls have been made for broader reforms, including comprehensive sex education, instead of criminalizing young couples.
