Supreme Court Proposes 'Romeo-Juliet Clause' in POCSO to Protect Teenagers

• The Supreme Court suggested including a 'Romeo-Juliet clause' in the POCSO Act to protect consensual relationships between adolescents.
• The court noted the misuse of POCSO, often for revenge or personal scores, undermining justice.
• The proposed clause aims to differentiate genuine adolescent affection from actual crimes, especially when families object.
• The Supreme Court overturned an Allahabad High Court order mandating medical examinations in all POCSO cases at the bail stage.
• The apex court clarified that age determination is a matter for trial, not bail, and medical evidence is an impartial witness.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court seeks to amend POCSO with a 'Romeo-Juliet clause' to safeguard consensual teen relationships.