The Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a Calcutta High Court ruling that acquitted a man in a sexual assault case involving a 14-year-old girl. The top court strongly criticized the high court’s comments, which advised young girls to “control sexual urges,” calling them "shocking" and "perverse."
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that judges must not let personal views influence their decisions and must strictly follow the law. The court reinstated the man's conviction for rape and sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. It also highlighted the state’s duty to provide social and economic support to victims of such crimes as mandated by law.
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The Supreme Court noted that the high court had failed to recognize the seriousness of the crime, terming it as "non-exploitative" despite involving a minor. The court directed the West Bengal government to form a committee of experts to assess the victim’s welfare and determine if she wishes to stay with the accused or receive state support. The government must submit its findings by October 18.
This case underscores the need for courts to remain committed to justice and the protection of minors, free from outdated or harmful biases.
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