By Kawanpreet Kaur 

The Karnataka High Court quashed rape proceedings against an accused under POCSO Act case who was released on interim bail to allow him to marry the victim, who turned major and gave birth to a child. It was alleged that the daughter of the complainant and the accused studied in the same school and were in love. One day the accused took the victim who was 16 years and 9 months old on bike and took her to an isolated place where he sexually assaulted her. The accused was charged under provisions of IPC and Sections 5(L), 5(J)(II) and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The parties approached the court to seek closure of these proceedings on account of the desire of the accused to marry the victim so that the victim and her child are not left in a lurch. Later, the Court granted interim bail to the accused and the marriage was solemnized and registered. The Court held that if the proceedings are not quashed, it would result in grave jeopardy to the life of the mother and the child who will have to face shame at the hands of the society. Accordingly, the Court quashed the proceedings against the accused. (Manjunatha v. State the Karnataka & Ors.- CRL.P 4658/2024) 

 Click here to read/download the order.