Consensual Adolescent Relationships Should Be Exempted from POCSO Act under ‘Romeo-Juliet Clause’, Court Observes: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the growing misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and observed that the law, enacted to protect children from sexual abuse, is increasingly being invoked to criminalise consensual romantic relationships between adolescents. While deciding a bail-related matter, the Court suggested that the Union Government consider introducing a “Romeo–Juliet clause” to protect genuine teenage relationships from harsh…