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

The Supreme Court 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 parties. The court emphasized that such offences are heinous and affect public morality, and hence, cannot be treated as private disputes. This decision reinforces the gravity of sexual offences against children and underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring justice for victims, irrespective of any settlements reached between the accused and the victim’s family. The ruling serves as a reminder that certain crimes, due to their serious nature, demand full legal scrutiny and cannot be resolved through private agreements.