SHILLONG, India, May 16 -- Meghalaya High Court issued the following judgment/order on April 15:

1. Heard learned counsel for the parties.

2. Rule. Rule is made returnable forthwith with the consent of the parties and the aforesaid petition is taken up for final disposal.

3. By this petition, the petitioner seeks quashing of the FIR/proceeding under the POCSO Act with the consent of the the respondent No. 4 (victim).

4. The petitioner, at the relevant time was 18 years of age and the respondent No. 4, 17 years. According to the petitioner and the respondent No. 4, they were in a romantic relationship and that the relationship between the two was consensual. It further appears that from the said physical relationship, the respondent No. 4 became pregnant and delivered a baby boy on 19th May, 2023. It further appears that the petitioner and the respondent No. 4 got married on 2nd September, 2025 on attaining the age of majority.

5. Today, the petitioner is 22 years of age and the respondent No. 4 is 20 years. According to the petitioner and the respondent No. 4, they were initially living together as husband and wife and now they are married. The respondent No. 4 has filed her affidavit. In the said affidavit, she has stated that she is living with the petitioner since 3rd May, 2024 as husband and wife in a rented house and that they are taking care of their child. She has further stated that the petitioner on attaining the age of majority i.e., 21 years as required for marriage, got married to the respondent No. 4, on 2nd September, 2025. To the additional affidavit filed by the respondent No.4, the certificate of marriage has been annexed. In the said affidavit, she has given her 'no objection' to the quashing of the proceeding initiated at her mother's behest.

6. On the last date, the respondent No.4 was present in person. When questioned, she reiterated what was stated by her in the affidavit. She has stated that she was in the 11th standard at the relevant time and that she wishes to continue with her education. Considering the same, this Court directed the parties to appear before the Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee to enable the Secretary to record the statement of the respondent No.4, as to whether the consent given by her was an informed consent; whether she has received any benefit from any of the schemes, either of the State or Central government; whether the respondent No.4 wishes to continue with her education etc. Pursuant thereto, the parties appeared before the Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee. Accordingly, the Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee has submitted her report dated 10th April, 2026 in a sealed envelope. The said envelope is opened and is taken on record. From the said report, it appears that the parties were initially living together as husband and wife with their son aged 3 years and on attaining majority, the petitioner and the respondent No.4 got married. It also appears from the report that the petitioner (accused) is bearing all the expenses at home and is taking care of the respondent No.4 and the child. It also appears that the respondent No.4 has given her no objection to the quashing of the FIR/case voluntarily without any force or coercion or any condition attached to the same.

*Rest of the document can be viewed at: (https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/ecourtindiaHC/cases/display_pdf.php?filename=A9S7c5LDIsB6RXaCf816xw32xA2UL%2B62wBqqPHy0KOFGHaT2b4ls91j1U0LkX3GP&caseno=Crl.Petn./1/2025&cCode=1&cino=MLHC010000492025&state_code=21&appFlag=)

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