Supreme Court Directs Centre on Teen Love: POCSO Act to Get 'Romeo-Juliet' Clause?

• The Supreme Court has issued directives to the central government regarding school-college 'love stories' and young-age relationships.
• The Court has instructed the Centre to consider adding a 'Romeo-Juliet clause' to the POCSO Act, 2012.
• Currently, the POCSO Act considers anyone under 18 a child, and their consent is not legally valid, leading to misuse in consensual teen relationships.
• Many consensual relationships between 16-17 year olds are being treated as serious sexual offenses, destroying young futures.
• A 'Romeo-Juliet clause' would distinguish consensual minor relationships from actual sexual offenses, preventing misuse of the law.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court urges Centre to amend POCSO Act with 'Romeo-Juliet clause' to protect consensual teen relationships.