A criminal case that once carried grave allegations took an unexpected turn before the Bombay High Court. What began as charges of rape and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) ended in complete closure after the complainant revealed she had married the accused and wished to put the matter behind her.
The case arose in 2023 when the complainant’s mother lodged a police complaint alleging sexual assault on her minor daughter when she was 17. An FIR was registered under the provisions of rape and the POCSO Act .
When the matter reached the Court, the complainant, turns 19, submitted that she had always intended to marry the accused and had done so voluntarily in July 2024. She further informed the Court that she is residing with him and his family, and that continuing this case would destroy her marital life and stigmatise any children born from the marriage.
Affidavits filed by both parties confirmed that they were married and living together peacefully. The accused and the woman jointly pleaded that the proceedings be terminated, as they were settled in their happy relationship.
The Court acknowledged the woman’s unequivocal stance that she wished to focus on her marriage and future. It observed that prolonging the prosecution would only burden her life unnecessarily and achieve little in terms of justice. On that basis, the court quashed the FIR and all pending proceedings, clearing the way for the couple to continue their marital life without further legal hurdles.
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