SC Urges Centre: Consider 'Romeo-Juliet' Clause in POCSO to Protect Adolescent Couples

• Supreme Court suggests Union Government introduce a 'Romeo-Juliet' clause in POCSO Act to protect genuine adolescent relationships from harsh criminal action.
• The bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice NK Singh made the observation while setting aside Allahabad High Court's directions on age determination in POCSO bail pleas.
• SC stated that High Courts cannot order mandatory medical age determination of victims at the bail stage, as it exceeds jurisdiction under CrPC Section 439.
• The court highlighted the rampant misuse of POCSO provisions, often by families to settle scores or oppose consensual relationships between young people.
• SC emphasized that age determination is a matter for trial, and bail courts cannot conduct 'mini-trials' or issue investigative protocols contradicting existing laws.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court urges Centre to add a 'Romeo-Juliet' clause to POCSO to safeguard genuine adolescent relationships.