Shillong, April 20: The High Court of Meghalaya has quashed a POCSO case registered at Mawlai Police Station after noting that the accused and the victim are now married and have a child together.
The case was heard by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere, who allowed the petition seeking quashing of the FIR registered as P.S. Case No. 67 of 2023 under Sections 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act.
According to court records, the victim and the accused were in a consensual relationship since 2021, which resulted in pregnancy. Following a dispute, an FIR was lodged, and the case later proceeded to trial before the Special POCSO Court in Shillong.
During the hearing, the court considered a report submitted by the High Court Legal Services Committee, which confirmed that the victim is now a major, has married the accused in 2025, and the couple has a two-year-old son. The report also established that the victim had given her informed consent for quashing the case.
Taking into account these factors and earlier judicial observations on similar cases involving consensual relationships, the court held that continuing the prosecution would not serve the ends of justice. It observed that in such situations, where parties are living as a family, penal action could cause greater harm to the victim and the child. Accordingly, the FIR and the ongoing proceedings before the Special Judge (POCSO) were set aside.
The court further directed that the victim and her child be extended benefits under various government welfare schemes, including child protection, health insurance, and victim compensation programmes. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure access to vocational training opportunities for the victim.
A compliance report has been sought, and the matter is scheduled for review on June 19, 2026.
