Shillong, April 23: The High Court of Meghalaya has quashed a POCSO case registered in 2021 after noting that the accused and the victim are now married and living together with their child.
In an order passed on April 22, 2026, a bench headed by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere allowed the petition seeking quashing of the FIR registered at Madanryting Police Station under Sections 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act.
The case originated from an FIR filed by the victim’s mother in May 2021 after the girl, who was then a minor, became pregnant. The court was informed that the relationship between the two was consensual and that the couple later solemnised their marriage on April 3, 2025, and are now raising their five-year-old daughter together.
The court also considered statements given by the victim, who affirmed that she entered the relationship voluntarily and has no objection to quashing the case. The complainant (mother) also submitted an affidavit stating that the FIR was filed due to misunderstanding and emotional distress and that she has no objection to dropping the proceedings.
Taking into account the “peculiar facts” of the case, including the marriage, existence of a child, and consent of both parties, the court held that continuing the proceedings would not serve the ends of justice. It accordingly quashed both the FIR and the pending trial before the Special POCSO Court in Shillong.
The High Court further directed authorities to ensure that the woman and her child receive benefits under various state and central government welfare schemes, including victim compensation, child protection services, and health and education support.
The matter has been listed for compliance reporting on July 1, 2026.
