Kerala HC: Consent Irrelevant in POCSO Cases; Minor's Consent No Defence Under POCSO Act, 2012

Kerala HC Quashes POCSO Conviction, Flags Misuse in Matrimonial Disputes

The Kerala High Court has quashed a POCSO conviction, observing that the Act is being misused in matrimonial disputes to settle personal scores. The court emphasized that trial courts must carefully scrutinize evidence to rule out false implications, especially when matrimonial discord is present. This judgment is crucial for understanding judicial safeguards in child protection laws.

Kerala HC: Customers Visiting Brothels Can Be Prosecuted Under Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

The Kerala High Court has ruled that customers who visit brothels for sexual activity can be prosecuted under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. This landmark interpretation shifts the earlier view that only brothel keepers were liable, making customers equally culpable for sustaining commercial sexual exploitation. For UPSC and State PSC aspirants, this is a key development in the realm of social legislation and criminal law.

Orissa High Court: Brothel Customer Not Liable Under Immoral Traffic Act; Kerala HC Takes Contrary View

The Orissa High Court has ruled that a customer found in a brothel cannot be prosecuted under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, as the Act does not penalize customers. This creates a conflict with the Kerala High Court's recent contrary ruling, making it a key exam point for judicial interpretation and legal provisions.

Delhi HC Holds Doctor Must Verify Minor's Age, Report Termination Under POCSO

Delhi HC rules that a medical practitioner cannot rely solely on a patient's oral age claim for abortion; must verify age through documentary evidence and report minor's pregnancy under POCSO. This reinforces medico-legal responsibilities and is crucial for exam questions on MTP Act, POCSO Act, and judicial interpretation.

Kerala HC Upholds 4% Disability Quota in Promotions, Sets Aside Contempt Interim Order

Kerala High Court has upheld the 4% disability quota in promotions, confirming the Kerala Administrative Tribunal's 2022 order in favour of an employee with 40% benchmark disability. It, however, set aside the tribunal's 2024 interim contempt order, ruling that positive directions cannot be issued in contempt proceedings. The judgment reinforces Supreme Court precedents in Siddaraju and Leesamma Joseph.

Delhi HC: Muslim Personal Law Marriage Cannot Immunize Sexual Assault of Minor Under POCSO Act, BNS

Delhi HC held that a marriage valid under Muslim personal law does not confer immunity from POCSO and BNS for sexual intercourse with a minor wife. The court refused to quash FIR against a 28-year-old man who married a 16-year-old girl, emphasizing that consent of a minor is irrelevant and Parliament has not provided marital exception in POCSO.

Calcutta HC Orders 5 Fast-Track Courts for NEET Paper Leak Cases Under 2024 Act

The Calcutta High Court has ordered five dedicated fast-track courts—three in Kolkata and two in Port Blair—to exclusively try NEET paper leak cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with a strict deadline to conclude trial within three months from filing of charge-sheet. This move aims to expedite justice in one of India's biggest education scandals and follows nationwide protests and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

SC & HCs Affirm Women's Bodily Autonomy: Menstrual Leave, Choice of Partner, Homemaker Value

In five recent rulings, the Supreme Court and various High Courts have strongly affirmed women's bodily autonomy, dignity, and personal liberty. Key judgments include upholding the right to choose a partner, recognizing the invaluable contribution of homemakers, and directing consideration of paid menstrual leave for women conductors. These rulings signal a progressive judicial shift that places women's agency over traditional social norms.