Supreme Court & “Romeo-Juliet” Exception under POCSO

Category: Polity / Judiciary / Child Rights / Social Justice

POCSO

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

  • Protects children below 18 years from sexual offences.

  • Provides child-friendly procedures for investigation and trial.

Recent Judicial Development

In a January 2026 judgment, the Supreme Court referred to concerns surrounding application/misuse of POCSO in cases involving adolescent relationships and suggested consideration of a “Romeo-Juliet” clause for genuine adolescent relationships.

Meaning of Romeo-Juliet Exception

Generally refers to a legal exception that may prevent consensual relationships between adolescents who are close in age from automatically attracting the full force of statutory sexual-offence provisions.

UPSC Issue

The debate involves balancing:

  • Child protection

  • Consent

  • Adolescent autonomy

  • Prevention of exploitation

  • Misuse of criminal law.

Prelims

POCSO age threshold → below 18 years.