Kerala High Court Quashes False POCSO Allegations Amid Custody Dispute

The Kerala High Court set aside the prosecution of a father accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, calling the allegations frivolous and false. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan emphasized the duty to prevent false claims, which in this case stemmed from a custody dispute. The case highlighted the emotional and social toll of such false allegations.

The Kerala High Court has dismissed the prosecution of a Thiruvananthapuram resident accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, labeling the case as frivolous and false.

Justice P V Kunhikrishnan stressed that the judiciary must ensure that false allegations, especially related to child custody disputes, do not stand. The judgment detailed how the false claim originated from a contentious custody battle, with the mother using the minor child as a tool against the father.

The court noted the damaging emotional and social repercussions of such false accusations, urging POCSO courts to exercise greater caution in similar cases to prevent unwarranted defamation and emotional trauma.

(With inputs from agencies.)