Delhi HC Grants Bail in POCSO Case, Calls it 'Romance' Not Coercion

• The Delhi High Court granted bail to a young man in a POCSO case, stating the relationship appeared consensual and romantic, not coercive.
• The court acknowledged that a minor's consent has no legal validity under POCSO, but considered the specific circumstances for bail.
• The victim's bone ossification test indicated she was around 17 years old, close to adulthood, and her statements confirmed a willing relationship.
• The accused had been imprisoned for over two years, and the court found a low risk of him influencing witnesses.
• The court emphasized that POCSO should protect children but not criminalize consensual relationships between young people, requiring case-by-case evaluation.