Nainital, April 2 Cases arising from consensual relationships between minors must be handled carefully, the Uttarakhand High Court has observed.
A single-judge bench of Justice Alok Mehra made the observation while hearing a case involving a relationship between minors, and as an interim measure, stayed the proceedings pending before a subordinate court.
The minors involved in the case are both around 15 years old.
The court stated that such cases require careful handling, as it is essential to strike a balance between ensuring the safety of minors and, under certain circumstances, recognising their autonomy.
The cases arose from a complaint from the girl's father, accusing the boy of abducting his daughter. The police filed a case and then a chargesheet.
The defense argued that the boy and the girl had known each other for nearly four years and shared a close friendship.
The counsel submitted that while the girl had initially denied engaging in physical relations, she later informed the magistrate that she had been in contact with the boy and that their relationship was consensual.
The court was informed that the girl admitted to inviting the boy to her home, hiding him inside a wardrobe, feeding him, and engaging in physical relations with him.
Her medical report revealed no signs of any coercion or force against her, the counsel submitted.
The petitioner's counsel argued that detaining the boy in an observation home could have a detrimental impact on his future and asked the court to take a lenient approach in the matter.
The court observed that, in cases involving consensual relationships between minors, the statement of the girl holds significant weight and termed age a crucial factor in such cases.
Issuing a notice to the respondent, the court stayed the proceedings pending before the Dehradun-based Juvenile Justice Board until the next hearing.