Karnataka High Court Quashes POCSO Case Against Man Who Married Rape Victim

In a notable decision, the Karnataka High Court has quashed a rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) case against 23-year-old Manjunath of Varuna Hobli, Mysuru. The ruling, delivered by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, considered the welfare of the child born from the alleged assault and the societal implications for both the mother and child.

The court’s decision was influenced by the recent marriage between Manjunath and the victim, who had given birth to a child after the alleged rape. The High Court had previously granted Manjunath interim bail to facilitate the marriage, and the wedding has since occurred. Following the marriage, Manjunath was returned to jail, but the court’s latest order aims to prevent further hardship for the mother and child.

Justice Nagaprasanna’s ruling emphasized that the continuation of the case could further endanger the lives of the mother and child, possibly leading to social stigma and crisis. The court noted that the child, being unaware of the past events, should not suffer due to legal proceedings that could further destabilize the family’s situation.

The legal process began when the victim’s mother reported the crime on February 15, 2023. She alleged that Manjunath, a schoolmate of the victim, had taken her daughter to a secluded area and raped her multiple times. This complaint led to Manjunath’s arrest and the filing of an FIR under the POCSO Act and related IPC sections.

The High Court’s decision to quash the case is aimed at safeguarding the family’s future and avoiding further societal disgrace. However, the bench clarified that the case could be reopened if the mother and child face new crises resulting from the petition’s resolution.

The ruling underscores a delicate balance between legal justice and the practical considerations of familial and social well-being.