India: ‘My crime is I fell in love’
Laws intended to tackle child abuse are resulting in young men in consensual relationships being imprisoned. Activists argue a more nuanced approach is needed
ani*, 21, began dating Noor*, 17, two years ago. They couldn’t see each other during the Covid lockdowns, but when restrictions began to ease, they would meet on the deserted banks of a canal in a small town in Tamil Nadu. The couple hoped to marry one day, but then Noor fell pregnant, and life turned into a nightmare.
Two months ago, Mani was charged with rape under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) law. After 48 days in jail, he was released on bail. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment.
“I just want this to be over soon,” he says nervously, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep.
Activists are now calling for the law to be clarified to allow for a more nuanced understanding of young people’s sexuality.
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To jack s
Isn’t it funny how that works? Seems very hypocritical to pick and choose what offense all of a sudden magically makes them an adult or an innocent child.
Something that has always made me mad. In the US a minor cant give consent for sex because they “cant understand the ramifications” of a sexual relationship. They cant act as an adult until they commit murder or some other crime. Then they are an adult.
And now the child will not have a Father and the burden to raise and support the child will fall on the girl’s family. When he gets released from custody, depending on the laws, he may not even be able to see his own child.
He’s facing life in prison he may never get released