Sexual Assault Under POCSO Can’t Be Quashed Based on Compromise: Offence is Heinous, Not of Private Nature, Says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that cases of sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cannot be quashed based on a compromise between the victim and the accused. The court emphasized that such offences are heinous and affect the society at large, not just the private interests of the individuals involved. The judgment underscores the court's stance on protecting the interests of children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual crimes face the full extent of the law. It also highlights the importance of upholding the integrity of legal proceedings in serious criminal cases to deter future offences and provide justice to victims.