Court Declines to Quash FIR in Landmark POCSO Case Despite Marriage Compromise

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has set a crucial precedent by refusing to quash an FIR filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The case involved allegations of rape against a minor, who later married her accused and bore his children.

The court adamantly held that marriage and compromises in such violations of statutory child protection laws are illegal and counter to public policy. The bench underscored that minors lack the psychological maturity to give informed consent, further highlighting the law's protectionist intent.

Despite the plea citing a compromise and marriage, the court maintained that the statute's clear intent was to prevent normalizing child sexual abuse through legal loopholes like subsequent marriages. The ruling reinforces the stringent stance against sexual crimes involving minors and safeguards child protection laws' integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)