The POCSO case against man dismissed by Rajasthan High Court because victim claims she was not abducted forcibly
TITLE: Ankit Jatav v. State Of Rajasthan & Anr.
Decided on: 31/05/2023
CRLMP-3075/2023
Coram: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE BIRENDRA KUMAR
Facts of the case:
Prayer is for quashing of FIR No.129/2021 registered with Police Station Maangrol, Baran for offence under Section 363 of IPC, however cognizance has been taken under Sections 366, 376, 376(2)(n) and Section 5(1)(j)(ii) and Section 6 of The POCSO Act. According to FIR, the minor girl of the informant left house on 11.04.2021 along with her friend, thereafter she did not return. It was suspected that she was induced to go. On 09.03.2022 the statement of the victim was recorded under Section 164 of Cr.P.C. She stated that she was in love with the petitioner and she left the house along with the petitioner to marry. Thereafter, they married in a temple and thereafter with her consent physical relation between the two was established.
Argument from the Petitioner side:
Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner and the victim were blessed with a child also. In identical facts and circumstances of the case, to protect the matrimonial life, a bench of this Court quashed the FIR to prevent abuse of the process of law.
Judgement
Considering, the fact that the victim had never alleged that she was forcefully kidnapped. No physical relation was with the petitioner when she was a minor. The two have already married and are having a child. In the circumstance, continuance of criminal proceedings would be an abuse of the process of law. Hence, aforesaid FIR and the entire criminal proceedings arising out of the said FIR stands hereby quashed and the instant petition is accordingly allowed. Pending application, if any, stands disposed of.
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Written by: Mahima Saini