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

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.

Delhi HC Rules Minor's Consent Invalid Under MTP Act; Doctor Must Face Trial for POCSO Violations

Delhi HC has ruled that a minor cannot independently consent to abortion under the MTP Act; guardian consent is mandatory. The doctor failed to obtain it and did not complete Form I, leading to criminal proceedings. This clarifies legal responsibilities of doctors and procedural safeguards for minors.

Delhi HC Overturns Acquittal in 2013 Harassment Case, Upholds IPC Section 354A, POCSO Charge Dropped

Delhi High Court overturned a 2014 acquittal in a 2013 sexual harassment case, convicting the accused under IPC Section 354A while dismissing POCSO charges due to age proof deficiencies. The court delivered strong observations against victim-blaming based on clothing and character, and cautioned judicial officers against humiliating cross-examination.

Delhi HC Releases 2 Life Convicts Citing Chekhov; SRB Rejection 'Arbitrary' Under Article 21

The Delhi High Court ordered the release of two life-term convicts, holding that prolonged imprisonment 'kills slowly' and that Sentence Review Boards cannot reject early release pleas based on stereotyped reasoning. The judgment reinforces Article 21 rights and sets important guidelines for evaluating post-conviction conduct.

Delhi HC Rules Medical Boards Can't Reduce UDID Disability % for NEET-UG PwBD Admission

Delhi High Court ruled that medical assessment boards cannot reduce the disability percentage recorded in a candidate's UDID card when evaluating NEET-UG eligibility under the PwBD category. The court emphasized that UDID cards have primacy and boards can only assess functional competency, not re-quantify disability. This protects the rights of persons with benchmark disabilities and prevents unfair exclusion from reservation benefits.

Delhi HC Rules Maternity Leave Cannot Reduce Role/Prospects; Centre to Frame Rules in 6 Months

The Delhi High Court ruled that a woman returning from maternity leave is entitled to resume her previous position without loss of role or career prospects. The court directed the Centre to frame rules within six months on workplace accommodation, lactation support, and grievance redressal. This judgment reinforces the protection under Section 12 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

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

The Kerala High Court has unequivocally ruled that consent is irrelevant in sexual offences against minors under the POCSO Act, 2012. This judgment reinforces the absolute protection of children below 18 years, regardless of any claimed 'romantic relationship'. For exam aspirants, this is a critical clarification of the POCSO Act's core principle—consent from a minor is legally void and cannot be a defence.

Delhi HC Directs Formulation of SOP for Arresting Transgender Persons; NHRC Advisory 2.0 Referred

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and Delhi Police to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the arrest, detention, search, and interrogation of transgender persons, citing a critical legal vacuum. The court relied on the NHRC's 'Advisory for Ensuring the Welfare of Transgender Persons, 2.0' issued in May 2026, and highlighted a specific incident of rights violation. This is a key development for Polity & Social Justice syllabus, focusing on fundamental rights (Article 21), the Transgender Persons Act, and the role of NHRC.