The Supreme Court has solicited the Indian government’s stance on a Public
Interest Litigation (PIL) advocating for decriminalizing consensual sexual
activity involving individuals aged 16 to 18. The law criminalizes sexual
intercourse in this age bracket, even if consensual. The PIL argues that
such a legal provision contradicts the evolving understanding of adolescent
autonomy and bodily rights. The court’s decision to seek the government’s
response reflects a deliberative approach, aiming to weigh the interests of
protecting minors while respecting their autonomy. This step could
contribute to a nuanced and modernized legal framework for handling
intimate adolescent relationships.
Interest Litigation (PIL) advocating for decriminalizing consensual sexual
activity involving individuals aged 16 to 18. The law criminalizes sexual
intercourse in this age bracket, even if consensual. The PIL argues that
such a legal provision contradicts the evolving understanding of adolescent
autonomy and bodily rights. The court’s decision to seek the government’s
response reflects a deliberative approach, aiming to weigh the interests of
protecting minors while respecting their autonomy. This step could
contribute to a nuanced and modernized legal framework for handling
intimate adolescent relationships.
