Supreme Court Overturns Controversial Calcutta High Court Verdict in POCSO Case

The Supreme Court struck down a Calcutta High Court order that acquitted an accused in a sexual-assault case, criticizing the high court's 'shocking' comments urging adolescent girls to control sexual urges. The Supreme Court reinstated the rape conviction under the POCSO Act and emphasized the state's duty to support victims.

The Supreme Court quashed a Calcutta High Court verdict on Tuesday that had acquitted an accused in a sexual-assault case, condemning the high court's 'objectionable' advice for adolescent girls to 'control sexual urges.' The apex court deemed these remarks 'shocking' and perverse.

The Supreme Court restored the accused's conviction for rape and sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The bench, led by Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, stated that the sentence would depend on an expert committee's report, which will be formed by the West Bengal government to engage with the victim, who is now married to the accused.

The bench criticized the high court for overstepping its boundaries, emphasizing that judges must base decisions on law rather than personal opinions. The Supreme Court also highlighted the state's responsibility to support victims under the POCSO Act and directed the West Bengal government to set up a committee to inform the victim of her options.