The Kerala High Court quashed proceedings against a man accused of having committed offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 on the ground that the victim and accused were now married.
“They are now living together as husband and wife. Therefore, no useful purpose will be served by continuing with the prosecution against the petitioner," read the High Court’s order.
The petitioner in the case – the accused, was alleged to have sexually assaulted the minor while she was studying in Plus Two class, by picking her up from her school in his car and touching her inappropriately.
Apart from that, the allegation was that subsequently, on the girl becoming a major, the petitioner had raped her.
However, the counsel for the petitioner pointed out to the court that the petitioner (accused) and the victim got married in June 2023, and were now living together as husband and wife.
The court was thus of the considered opinion that this was a fit case wherein under its jurisdiction it can quash the proceedings against the petitioner, since no useful purpose would be served by continuing with it and thus quashed the proceedings.
US Congress to certify Trump winner of 2024 election
The US Congress on Monday will certify President-elect Donald Trump's victory in the November 2024 election, peacefully wrapping up a ritual his supporters had tried to prevent in 2021 in the misleading belief that he had been cheated of a win.
Enrolment of new women voters in Tripura higher than of men: Officials
Enrolment of new women voters in Tripura, at 2,166, has been more than that of new male voters, leading to an increase of the gender ratio to 993 in the final electoral rolls from 991 of the draft electoral rolls, officials said here on Monday.
Beginning of the end for Trudeau and his vindictive anti-India politics
The ties between India and Canada soured after Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament last year that he has "credible allegations" of India's hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India prepared to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges: J.P. Nadda on HMPV
India’s surveillance network remains vigilant and the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Monday, as the number of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country reached five in a single day.
Justin Trudeau to step down as Canadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau on Monday announced that he will step down as the Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal leader once his party has chosen a new leader.
Glad to know about Microsoft's ambitious expansion, investment plans in India: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella on Monday, said he was glad to know about the tech giant’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India.
Sullivan meets NSA Doval, highlights US efforts to bolster civil nuclear cooperation with India
US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan on Monday emphasised efforts of the outgoing Biden administration in finalising necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities to promote civil nuclear cooperation and resilient clean energy supply chains.
Two children test positive for HMPV in Chennai, recovering
Two children in Chennai have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and are recovering, officials said on Monday. Doctors stated that both cases are linked to common respiratory symptoms such as fever, cold, and cough.