Shillong, April 20: The High Court of Meghalaya has quashed a POCSO case registered in West Khasi Hills after observing that the parties involved are living together as husband and wife and have children from the relationship.
The case, heard by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere, pertained to an FIR lodged in 2021 at Mawshynrut Police Station under Sections 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act.
The petitioners—comprising the accused and the survivor—had jointly approached the court seeking quashing of the case by consent. The FIR had originally been filed following a report of teenage pregnancy, as the girl was a minor at the time of the incident.
During proceedings, the court examined a report from the High Court Legal Services Committee, which confirmed that the couple is currently living together, has two children, and that the survivor had given informed consent with no objection to quashing the case.
Taking into account these factors, along with earlier judicial observations on similar “Romeo-Juliet” cases in Meghalaya, the court held that continuing the prosecution would not serve the ends of justice. It noted that in such circumstances, imprisoning the accused could adversely affect the survivor and their children. Accordingly, the court quashed both the FIR and the pending trial before the Special POCSO Court in Nongstoin.
The court further directed authorities to ensure that the survivor and her children receive benefits under various government welfare schemes, including victim compensation, child protection services, and health insurance. It also ordered assistance in obtaining essential documents such as birth certificates, Aadhaar, and EPIC.
A compliance report has been sought within nine weeks, with the matter scheduled for further review on June 29, 2026.
