12/02/2026
Before you jump to conclusions — understand this clearly:
There is no explicit “Romeo & Juliet clause” in POCSO.
India’s POCSO Act criminalizes sexual activity below 18 — even if it’s consensual between teenagers.
Courts have sometimes shown leniency in genuine adolescent relationships, but that’s judicial interpretation — not a blanket exception.
POCSO is strict by design. Consent under 18 is legally irrelevant.
Know the law before debating it.