The Calcutta High Court recently provided important recommendations for adolescent boys and girls in a case involving a young man who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for engaging in sexual relations with a minor. The court’s guidance emphasizes protecting dignity, self-worth, and controlling sexual urges.
While acquitting the young man, the court noted that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act does not account for consensual, non-exploitative sexual relations among teenagers aged 16 to 18. Justices Chitta Ranjan Dash and Partha Sarathi Sen, referencing the Mahabharata principle “Dharmo Rakshyati Rakshyita” (one who protects the law is protected by the law), provided several key recommendations.
For female adolescents, the court outlined these responsibilities:
- Protecting the integrity of their body.
- Upholding their dignity and self-worth.
- Striving for overall personal development beyond gender constraints.
- Controlling sexual urges, as giving in to fleeting pleasure can have long-term consequences.
- Maintaining autonomy over their body and privacy.
Male adolescents, according to the court, should respect these principles and train themselves to honor women’s dignity, self-worth, and privacy.
The court acknowledged that while sexual curiosity in adolescents is normal, managing sexual urges requires individual responsibility. It emphasized the importance of sexual education, both at home and in schools, focusing on reproductive health and hygiene. The court stressed that while adolescent sexual activity might be considered normal, it should involve commitment and dedication rather than casual encounters.
The court’s recommendations aim to guide adolescents towards a respectful and responsible approach to relationships and personal development. The case, titled Probhat Purkait @ Provat v The State of West Bengal, highlights the need for proper education and self-awareness in managing sexual behavior.
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