DNA India

What is 'Romeo-Juliet clause'? SC asks Centre to consider its inclusion in POCSO for THIS reason

Amid the ongoing misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012, the Supreme Court has suggested the Centre introduce a 'Romeo-Juliet clause' to protect genuine teenage relationships from harsh criminal consequences. While expressing concern, the court noted that POCSO is often used to penalise consensual relationships between adolescents, rather than protecting children from abuse.