Shillong, July 10: The Meghalaya High Court on July 6 quashed a 2023 POCSO case after the petitioner and the alleged victim told the court they are now married and living together with family consent.
Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere allowed Criminal Petition No. 35 of 2026 and set aside FIR No. 16(2) 2023 of Rynjah Police Station and proceedings in Special (POCSO) Case No. 19 of 2023 before the Special Judge, East Khasi Hills.
In an affidavit, petitioner Trosbingroy Sad alias Rudolph Syiem stated both he and Respondent No. 3 have attained majority and married under the Special Marriage Act on 29.06.2026. A High Court Legal Services Committee report said the petitioner is about 25 and Respondent No. 3 is 19. They live at Umpling, Shillong with her younger brother and both families have consented to the marriage. The report noted Respondent No. 3 is in Class X and wants to pursue tailoring. The complainant, Respondent No. 2 and uncle of Respondent No. 3, told the court he has no objection to quashing.
Relying on an earlier judgment, the Court cited the “ground realities” in Meghalaya of adolescent consensual relationships and the matrilineal system among the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes where lineage and inheritance pass through the mother. It also stressed the need to spread awareness about the POCSO Act in cities as well as interior areas, schools and colleges.
The Court held that since the couple are married with family consent, continuing the case would cause great prejudice to Respondent No. 3 and there was no impediment in allowing the petition.
It directed the DCPO, East Khasi Hills and Secretary, DLSA, East Khasi Hills to ensure Respondent No. 3 receives benefits under 15 schemes including Nirbhaya Fund for POCSO victims, Mission Vatsalya, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme 2022, Ayushman Bharat-PM-JAY, Mission Shakti and Samagra Siksha. Copies were also sent to the Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare Department.
The petition was allowed and disposed of. The matter will come up on 7th September for recording compliance.
