Meghalaya High Court Quashes POCSO Case After Couple Marries and Raises Child

The Meghalaya High Court has quashed criminal proceedings under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against a 27‑year‑old man. The decision follows a joint petition by the accused and the survivor, who have been living together for several years and are raising their four‑year‑old daughter.

The FIR, filed in 2021 at the Ri‑Bhoi Women Police Station, alleged that the girl was a minor and pregnant at the time of the incident. After reaching adulthood, she chose to remain with the accused and the couple were formally married at the Nongpoh Marriage Registrar in March. The court considered a report from the High Court Legal Services Committee confirming their cohabitation and the child's welfare, as well as the survivor’s desire to resume education.

Citing the earlier judgment in Shalenbor Wahtang vs State of Meghalaya, which recognized consensual adolescent relationships in the state, the bench held that imprisoning the husband would adversely affect the survivor and their child. Consequently, the FIR and all pending proceedings were quashed, and authorities were directed to ensure the woman and child receive applicable welfare benefits.