Meghalaya: The Meghalaya High Court has quashed a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against a man after observing that the couple had married, were living together happily and had three children from their relationship.

The order was passed by a division bench led by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere while hearing a petition jointly filed by the accused man and the woman involved in the case.

According to court records, the FIR was registered at Madanrting Police Station in 2021 under Sections 4, 6 and 17 of the POCSO Act. The case related to a relationship that had begun when the woman was still a minor.

During the hearing, the court took note of the fact that the couple had since married and were leading a stable family life with their three children. Considering the circumstances, the High Court decided to quash the criminal proceedings.

The ruling has drawn attention for highlighting the complex legal and social issues surrounding consensual relationships involving minors under the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act.