What are 'Romeo and Juliet' cases according to the Rajasthan High Court?

These cases typically involve two adolescents or a near-legal age couple in a consensual relationship, often through elopement, with no allegations of force or exploitation.

Why is the Rajasthan High Court concerned about these 'Romeo and Juliet' cases?

The court is concerned about the recent growth of these cases and believes the current legal framework struggles to distinguish between predatory sexual exploitation and consensual adolescent relationships.

What was the outcome of the FIR quashed by the Rajasthan High Court?

The High Court quashed the FIR and all related proceedings, stating that continuing them would amount to an abuse of the process of law due to a lack of evidence and inappropriate application of stringent laws.

Home / Crime and Justice / Rajasthan Court Questions 'Romeo Juliet' Case Prosecutions

Rajasthan Court Questions 'Romeo Juliet' Case Prosecutions

4 Feb

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Summary

Court concerned over rise in cases involving consensual adolescent relationships.
Legal framework struggles to differentiate exploitation from consensual bonds.
FIR quashed, citing abuse of law and lack of sexual activity evidence.

Rajasthan Court Questions 'Romeo Juliet' Case Prosecutions

The Rajasthan High Court has raised concerns regarding a recent surge in prosecutions of 'Romeo and Juliet' cases. These typically involve consensual relationships between adolescents, often elopements, where no allegations of force, coercion, or exploitation exist. The court observed that the current legal framework appears inadequate in differentiating between predatory sexual exploitation and consensual adolescent relationships, particularly when one partner is under the age of 18.

Hearing a petition to quash an FIR, a single bench noted the absence of sexual activity allegations and the voluntary nature of the girl's departure with the petitioner. The court found that the material on record indicated the girl left on her own accord and raised no complaints. The petitioner, aged approximately 19, and the girl, around 17, reportedly attended the same school.