Karnataka High Court Quashes Sexual Assault Case Citing Marriage and Parenthood

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed criminal charges against a 23-year-old man from Mysuru, accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old when she was a minor. The court's decision followed the couple's marriage and the birth of their child. However, the case could be reopened if the man abandons his family.

The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against a 23-year-old man from Mysuru, accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old when she was a minor, following their marriage and the production of their marriage certificate.

Justice M Nagaprasanna stressed that the Sexual Offences (POCSO) case could be revived if the man abandons the girl and their child after the case's closure.

The court had previously granted interim bail to the accused to facilitate the marriage with the victim after she turned 18, requiring him to return to jail with the marriage certificate. The accused complied with the court's directives.

The court has ruled that pursuing the case would negatively impact the mother and child, leading to social stigma.

According to court records, the incident occurred on February 2, 2023, when the accused allegedly sexually assaulted the school-going girl at an isolated location.

The girl later gave birth to their child. Legal representatives for both parties argued that the couple was in love but faced parental opposition, seeking the closure of proceedings considering the man's intention to marry the victim.

The court also considered a DNA report confirming the biological parentage of the child in its decision.