Romeo-Juliet Clause in POCSO Act Explained | SC Suggests Protecting Genuine Teen Relationships |UPSC

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In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has asked the Centre to consider introducing a “Romeo-Juliet clause” in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to exempt consensual, genuine adolescent relationships from criminal prosecution.
This move comes amidst concerns over the misuse of the Act where youthful relationships are sometimes treated as crimes due to strict statutory provisions.
In this video, we break down:
• What the Romeo-Juliet clause means and why it’s being discussed.
• How existing POCSO provisions treat adolescent consensual relationships.
• The Supreme Court’s rationale behind urging legal reform.
• The potential impact on teen rights, judicial process, and law enforcement if such a clause is enacted.
This topic is highly relevant for UPSC Prelims & Mains (GS Paper II/III) under Legal and Social Justice issues, as well as anyone interested in law reform and children’s rights.
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00:00 – Romeo-Juliet Clause: Supreme Court's Big Verdict
Understanding the landmark judgment on adolescent relationships
00:39 – Three Key Takeaways from SC Judgment
Adolescent autonomy, POCSO misuse, and constitutional principles
02:24 – Four Factors: POCSO Act Considerations
Nature of relationship, intentions, victim statement, mutual consent
03:43 – POCSO Act 2012: Misuse by Families
How parents oppose young relationships using criminal law
04:24 – What is Romeo-Juliet Clause Exactly?
Protecting consensual adolescent relationships from criminalization
05:07 – USA & International Examples
How America introduced this clause and age gap provisions
07:39 – Age of Consent: 70-Year History
From 16 years (1940) to 18 years (2012 POCSO Act)
08:57 – Statistics: 24% Cases Involve Consensual Teens
NGO data from Assam, Maharashtra, West Bengal revealed
10:25 – Supreme Court Directs Central Government
Immediate steps needed for legislative amendment
11:27 – Medical Test vs Documentary Evidence
Age determination hierarchy and last resort principle
12:56 – Section 94 JJ Act: Clear Guidelines
Municipal certificates, school records over medical tests
15:23 – Purpose of Medical Records Explained
Scientific principles with human dignity and privacy
16:00 – Preventing Misuse of Child Protection Laws
Social stigma, mental health, and vulnerable children
17:52 – Judicial Records Show Age Manipulation
Parents falsifying age for vendetta against partners
18:24 – Need for Societal Change Beyond Laws
Parental acceptance and deeper transformation required

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