On Tuesday, November 5, 2025, the Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the misuse of the POCSO Act in instances of marital discord and consensual relationships among adolescents. The Court emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness among boys and men about its legal provisions.
A Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought directives to sensitize the public about the penal provisions for rape and the POCSO Act, aiming to create a safer environment for girls and women in the country.
The Bench orally remarked, “One thing, we would like to observe. The POCSO Act is being misused in cases of marital discords and matters pertaining to consensual relationships between adolescents. We should spread awareness in boys and men about the legal provisions.”
The Supreme Court has adjourned the PIL until December 2, noting that several States and Union Territories have yet to file their responses on the matter.
Previously, the Supreme Court had issued notices to the Centre, the Union Ministries of Education and Information and Broadcasting, and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regarding the plea filed by senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda.
Mr. Ponda underscored the necessity of informing people about the laws concerning rape and the significant changes made to these laws following the Nirbhaya case.
The petition proposes various measures, including a directive to the Education Ministry for all educational institutions providing free and compulsory education to children up to 14 years of age. These institutions would be required to incorporate penal provisions related to offenses against women and children into their curriculum.
The plea further suggests that moral training should also be included to foster awareness about sexual equality, the rights of women and girls, and their freedom to live with dignity. It highlights a broader discussion on the complexities of criminalizing all adolescent relationships.
“Specifically, efforts are needed to change the mindset of boys in this country, an initiative that must begin at the school level,” the plea states.
Additionally, it calls for similar directives to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, CBFC, and other broadcasting authorities to underscore the severe consequences of committing rape and its associated punishments, while also educating the public about the POCSO Act.