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Allahabad High Court Orders POCSO Amendments for Minor Couples

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 4:36 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Allahabad High Court directed the Law Commission of India to recommend amendments to the POCSO Act for minor-couple cases.
Justices Atul Sreedharan and Achal Sachdev warned strict POCSO enforcement could cause injustice especially after a child is born.
The judges suggested giving special judges sentencing discretion and allowing community service as alternative punishment.
The court urged the state to keep minors in school until majority and provide vocational training.

History

Historical Context

The 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child required parties to shield children from sexual exploitation. Echoing the convention tradition of expanding rights, the Allahabad High Court in 2024 urged the Law Commission to let special judges vary POCSO sentences, a reform reminiscent of U.S. constitutional conventions that, although the Constitution permits them after 34 states apply, have never been convened.

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Story summary

The Allahabad High Court directed the Law Commission of India to recommend amendments to the POCSO Act for minor-couple cases.
Justices Atul Sreedharan and Achal Sachdev warned strict POCSO enforcement could cause injustice especially after a child is born.
The judges suggested giving special judges sentencing discretion and allowing community service as alternative punishment.
The court urged the state to keep minors in school until majority and provide vocational training.

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