The Supreme Court of India granted leave to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) and stayed the operation of a Rajasthan High Court judgment delivered on May 27, 2025, in a matter concerning the rights of a victim under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act who attains majority during trial. The bench comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale condoned the delay, admitted the petition, and issued notice to the respondents.
The pivotal legal issue before the Court is whether a victim, who was a minor at the time of the alleged offence but turns 18 during the pendency of proceedings, is entitled to continue availing protections and procedural safeguards under Section 33(2) of the POCSO Act.
By staying the High Court’s ruling for six weeks, the Supreme Court has kept the question open for authoritative adjudication.
Appearances:
Petitioner(s) : Ms. Adwaita Sharma, Adv.; Ms. Kartika Sharma, Adv.; Mr. Udian Sharma, AOR; Mr. Sahil Saraswat, Adv.; Ms. Harsha Sadhwani, Adv.; Mr. Manav Mitra, Adv.; Ms. Subhika Joshi, Adv.
Respondents: NA