Be understanding towards young love

The Supreme Court has rightly urged GoI to reconsider whether consensual relationships between adolescents should fall within the purview of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act-a call that demands serious and urgent engagement. Along with reviewing the top court's suggestion to decriminalise such relationships, GoI must also take on board the recommendation to frame a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education policy. Criminalising young love while failing to educate adolescents on what constitutes healthy romantic and sexual relationships leads to a repressed society. Courts have observed that penalising adolescents in love contradicts the developmental needs of teenagers, many of whom are discovering intimacy and emotional bonds.

The intent behind the Pocso Act was to shield minors from exploitation-not to penalise natural and consensual behaviour between teenagers. Yet, an increasing proportion of Pocso cases involve consensual adolescent relationships, often based on complaints from disapproving families. It is understandable that many parents struggle with the challenges of raising adolescents and naturally want to protect them from harm. But throwing the statute book at youngsters during such a sensitive phase of life-and sending them to prison-is hardly the solution.

Counselling and guidance to help adolescents navigate their sexual and emotional awakening is a far better option. The sexual and reproductive health education policy that the top court has called for could play a crucial role. But this policy must not be a bureaucratic exercise-it should be the product of meaningful engagement with all stakeholders, aimed at developing a policy that is progressive, sensitive, and backed by robust institutional support.