{"id":32966,"date":"2026-10-05T06:44:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T06:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=32966"},"modified":"2026-10-05T06:47:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T06:47:49","slug":"supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/","title":{"rendered":"Supreme Court on POCSO Misuse in Matrimonial &amp; Custody Disputes: Key Safeguards for Parents"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 id=\"h-supreme-court-safeguards-against-misuse-of-pocso-act-in-matrimonial-and-child-custody-disputes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supreme_Court_Safeguards_Against_Misuse_of_POCSO_Act_in_Matrimonial_and_Child_Custody_Disputes\"><\/span>Supreme Court Safeguards Against Misuse of POCSO Act in Matrimonial and Child Custody Disputes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-pocso-fir-against-father-quashed-supreme-court-lays-down-important-safeguards-for-matrimonial-and-custody-disputes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"POCSO_FIR_Against_Father_Quashed_Supreme_Court_Lays_Down_Important_Safeguards_for_Matrimonial_and_Custody_Disputes\"><\/span>POCSO FIR Against Father Quashed; Supreme Court Lays Down Important Safeguards for Matrimonial and Custody Disputes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court has issued important safeguards against the misuse of the POCSO Act in matrimonial disputes, particularly where allegations of sexual offences are made against a parent or family member during an ongoing custody battle.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Supreme_Court_Safeguards_Against_Misuse_of_POCSO_Act_in_Matrimonial_and_Child_Custody_Disputes\" >Supreme Court Safeguards Against Misuse of POCSO Act in Matrimonial and Child Custody Disputes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#POCSO_FIR_Against_Father_Quashed_Supreme_Court_Lays_Down_Important_Safeguards_for_Matrimonial_and_Custody_Disputes\" >POCSO FIR Against Father Quashed; Supreme Court Lays Down Important Safeguards for Matrimonial and Custody Disputes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#The_Background_of_the_Case\" >The Background of the Case<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Supreme_Court_Transfers_Investigation_to_CBI\" >Supreme Court Transfers Investigation to CBI<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Why_This_Judgment_Is_Important\" >Why This Judgment Is Important<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#When_Do_the_Supreme_Court_Safeguards_Apply\" >When Do the Supreme Court Safeguards Apply?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#First_condition_Allegation_against_a_parent_or_family_member_living_with_the_child\" >First condition: Allegation against a parent or family member living with the child<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Second_condition_A_matrimonial_dispute_between_the_parents\" >Second condition: A matrimonial dispute between the parents<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Arrest_Under_Section_35_of_BNSS_Is_Not_Automatic\" >Arrest Under Section 35 of BNSS Is Not Automatic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Role_of_Child_and_Adolescent_Psychiatry_and_Clinical_Psychology_Experts\" >Role of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Experts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#But_the_expert_does_not_decide_the_criminal_case\" >But the expert does not decide the criminal case<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Protection_of_the_Child_During_the_Evaluation\" >Protection of the Child During the Evaluation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Safeguards_Also_Apply_to_Private_POCSO_Complaints\" >Safeguards Also Apply to Private POCSO Complaints<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#A_POCSO_FIR_Does_Not_Automatically_Decide_a_Custody_Case\" >A POCSO FIR Does Not Automatically Decide a Custody Case<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#District_Child_Protection_Units_Directed_to_Maintain_Expert_Registers\" >District Child Protection Units Directed to Maintain Expert Registers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#What_Happened_to_the_Childs_Custody\" >What Happened to the Child&#8217;s Custody?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#The_Supreme_Court_Also_Closed_the_Other_Proceedings\" >The Supreme Court Also Closed the Other Proceedings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Directions_to_Courts_Police_and_Authorities_Across_India\" >Directions to Courts, Police and Authorities Across India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#What_the_Judgment_Does_Not_Say\" >What the Judgment Does Not Say<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Why_the_Judgment_Matters_for_Family_Litigation\" >Why the Judgment Matters for Family Litigation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Legal_Provisions_Involved\" >Legal Provisions Involved<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Case_Details\" >Case Details<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-pocso-safeguards-matrimonial-custody-disputes\/#Need_Legal_Advice_in_a_POCSO_Custody_or_Matrimonial_Dispute\" >Need Legal Advice in a POCSO, Custody or Matrimonial Dispute?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Rajeev Giri v. Ekta Singh &amp; Anr., 2026 INSC 1049, decided on 24 September 2026, a Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan dealt with a prolonged matrimonial and child-custody dispute in which a father was accused of offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After an extensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), assisted by experts from NIMHANS, the Supreme Court concluded that the criminal proceedings could not be allowed to continue. The Court quashed the POCSO FIR against the father and other family members and directed that the child&#8217;s legal custody remain with the father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More importantly, the Court laid down safeguards intended to protect both sides of the equation: children must remain fully protected under POCSO, but an accusation alone cannot become a substitute for a fair investigation or automatically destroy the liberty, reputation or custody rights of an accused parent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-background-of-the-case\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Background_of_the_Case\"><\/span>The Background of the Case<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dispute arose from a matrimonial relationship between \u2018R\u2019 and \u2018E\u2019. They married in 2011 and had a daughter, \u2018M\u2019, in 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Serious differences developed between the spouses. In April 2018, the father instituted guardianship proceedings under Section 25 of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Family Court at Bengaluru eventually directed that custody of the child be handed over to the father. The Karnataka High Court upheld that decision in January 2023, while making arrangements for the mother&#8217;s visitation rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mother&#8217;s challenge to the custody order before the Supreme Court was subsequently dismissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In June 2023, custody of the child was handed over to the father. Thereafter, a series of proceedings followed between the parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dispute took a much more serious turn in March 2024 when the mother lodged FIR No. 76\/2024 against the father and his family members. The FIR invoked Section 10 of the POCSO Act, Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act and Sections 323, 504 and 506 read with Section 34 of the IPC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The allegations concerned sexual and other forms of alleged abuse of the minor child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The case eventually reached a stage where the Supreme Court considered that an independent and comprehensive investigation was necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-supreme-court-transfers-investigation-to-cbi\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supreme_Court_Transfers_Investigation_to_CBI\"><\/span>Supreme Court Transfers Investigation to CBI<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given the sensitivity of the allegations and the circumstances in which the FIR had been registered, the Supreme Court directed that the investigation be transferred to the CBI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CBI constituted a committee headed by a senior officer and involving experts, including specialists associated with NIMHANS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The investigation was not confined to the statements recorded in the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It examined, among other things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>statements of witnesses;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>medical material;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>psychological and psychiatric evaluation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CCTV footage;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>other material collected during investigation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CBI ultimately submitted its report to the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The investigation found significant contradictions and material circumstances which, when considered collectively, raised serious doubts about the reliability of the allegations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court thereafter examined the extensive investigation and concluded that continuation of the criminal proceedings would amount to an abuse of the process of law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accordingly, FIR No. 76\/2024, subsequently re-numbered as CBI Case RC0352026S0003, was quashed against the father and three other family members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-this-judgment-is-important\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_This_Judgment_Is_Important\"><\/span>Why This Judgment Is Important<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment goes beyond the facts of one family dispute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court recognised a difficult legal problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The POCSO Act is a stringent child-protection legislation. Its purpose is to protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment and exploitation. Courts cannot permit procedural safeguards designed for accused persons to dilute that protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, the Court recognised that matrimonial disputes can sometimes create circumstances in which allegations made against a parent require particularly careful and objective investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court therefore sought to strike a balance between child protection and protection against unjustified coercive action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the central significance of the judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does not create a general exemption for parents from POCSO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does not require every POCSO complaint to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, the safeguards apply only where the specific conditions identified by the Supreme Court are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-when-do-the-supreme-court-safeguards-apply\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Do_the_Supreme_Court_Safeguards_Apply\"><\/span>When Do the Supreme Court Safeguards Apply?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court identified two threshold conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-first-condition-allegation-against-a-parent-or-family-member-living-with-the-child\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_condition_Allegation_against_a_parent_or_family_member_living_with_the_child\"><\/span>First condition: Allegation against a parent or family member living with the child<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The alleged POCSO offence must be against:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a parent of the child;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>another family member living under the same roof as the child.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-second-condition-a-matrimonial-dispute-between-the-parents\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Second_condition_A_matrimonial_dispute_between_the_parents\"><\/span>Second condition: A matrimonial dispute between the parents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There must also be a matrimonial dispute of some kind between the child&#8217;s parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court made it clear that such a dispute need not necessarily already be pending before a court. What matters is the existence of circumstances indicating a strained relationship between the parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The police officer receiving the complaint must verify whether such a matrimonial dispute exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These limitations are important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment should therefore not be read as laying down a universal preliminary requirement of psychological evaluation in every POCSO case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its safeguards operate within the particular factual situation identified by the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-arrest-under-section-35-of-bnss-is-not-automatic\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arrest_Under_Section_35_of_BNSS_Is_Not_Automatic\"><\/span>Arrest Under Section 35 of BNSS Is Not Automatic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most significant aspects of the judgment concerns arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court reiterated that registration of an FIR does not automatically mean that the accused must be arrested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 governs arrest without warrant. The statutory conditions must be satisfied before the power of arrest is exercised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court emphasised the distinction between the existence of a power to arrest and the justification for actually exercising that power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the circumstances covered by the judgment, an investigating officer should therefore not act mechanically or hastily merely because a POCSO FIR has been registered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The officer must examine whether the statutory requirements for arrest are actually satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This principle is consistent with the Supreme Court&#8217;s broader jurisprudence against unnecessary arrest, including the principles developed in cases such as Joginder Kumar v. State of U.P., Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar and Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment therefore places the POCSO issue within the larger constitutional principle that personal liberty cannot be curtailed mechanically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-role-of-child-and-adolescent-psychiatry-and-clinical-psychology-experts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_Child_and_Adolescent_Psychiatry_and_Clinical_Psychology_Experts\"><\/span>Role of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Experts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court introduced another important safeguard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where the two threshold conditions are satisfied, the investigating officer or Special Juvenile Police Unit should ordinarily engage an expert in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>child and adolescent psychiatry;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>clinical psychology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The expert is to assist the investigation by conducting an appropriate psychological or psychiatric evaluation of the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The expert would ordinarily be selected from the register maintained by the District Child Protection Unit under Rule 5 of the POCSO Rules, 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where an appropriate expert is not available in the register, the investigating authorities may, in consultation with the DCPU, engage an appropriately qualified expert from outside the register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-but-the-expert-does-not-decide-the-criminal-case\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"But_the_expert_does_not_decide_the_criminal_case\"><\/span>But the expert does not decide the criminal case<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This distinction is extremely important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court did not make the expert the final decision-maker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The investigating officer remains responsible for deciding whether the legal requirements for arrest are satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The expert&#8217;s report is an aid to the investigation. It must be considered along with the other material available to the investigating agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The police are not mechanically bound either to accept or reject the expert&#8217;s conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The investigation must remain independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-protection-of-the-child-during-the-evaluation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protection_of_the_Child_During_the_Evaluation\"><\/span>Protection of the Child During the Evaluation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court was equally conscious that the new safeguard should not become another source of trauma for the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The psychological or psychiatric evaluation must therefore comply with the POCSO Act and Rules and must be conducted in a manner that does not subject the child to pressure, discomfort, or repeated harassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court also clarified that this process does not disturb the existing procedure under the POCSO Rules concerning the Child Welfare Committee&#8217;s assessment of whether the child needs to be removed from the custody of the family or shared household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thus, the safeguard is intended to improve the quality of investigation without compromising the welfare of the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-safeguards-also-apply-to-private-pocso-complaints\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safeguards_Also_Apply_to_Private_POCSO_Complaints\"><\/span>Safeguards Also Apply to Private POCSO Complaints<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment is not confined to police FIRs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court also addressed private complaints under Section 33 of the POCSO Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where the same threshold conditions exist, the Special Court should exercise particular caution before taking cognizance and issuing summons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court should ordinarily obtain assistance from an expert in child and adolescent psychiatry or clinical psychology and consider the resulting evaluation together with the other circumstances on record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is, however, an important exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where the material is sufficiently clear, the Special Court may dispense with expert assistance, but reasons for doing so must be recorded in writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court specifically directed that these safeguards apply to private complaints where summons had not already been issued on the date of the judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-a-pocso-fir-does-not-automatically-decide-a-custody-case\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_POCSO_FIR_Does_Not_Automatically_Decide_a_Custody_Case\"><\/span>A POCSO FIR Does Not Automatically Decide a Custody Case<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This may be one of the most practically important parts of the judgment for family-law litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A parent who faces a POCSO allegation may simultaneously be involved in guardianship or custody proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court made it clear that mere registration of a POCSO case cannot automatically be treated as proof that the allegation is true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nor should the registration of an FIR, by itself, become a mechanism for defeating an otherwise legitimate custody or guardianship claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concerned court must examine the material available and form its own prima facie view on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where there is material suggesting that a complaint may have been instituted with mala fide intent to obtain an advantage in custody litigation, the court must remain particularly careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This does not mean that a custody court should ignore a POCSO allegation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quite the opposite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A genuine allegation of sexual abuse must receive the highest level of attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The point is that an allegation is not the same thing as a judicial finding of guilt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-district-child-protection-units-directed-to-maintain-expert-registers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"District_Child_Protection_Units_Directed_to_Maintain_Expert_Registers\"><\/span>District Child Protection Units Directed to Maintain Expert Registers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court has also given an institutional direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">District Child Protection Units across the country are required to update their registers maintained under Rule 5 of the POCSO Rules, 2020 so that they include suitably qualified experts in child and adolescent psychiatry and clinical psychology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is significant because the safeguard created by the judgment cannot work effectively unless qualified professionals are actually available to assist investigating agencies and courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court also directed courts dealing with remand and bail applications in cases falling within the identified category to examine whether the statutory requirements relating to arrest were properly followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-happened-to-the-child-s-custody\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happened_to_the_Childs_Custody\"><\/span>What Happened to the Child&#8217;s Custody?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After quashing the POCSO proceedings, the Supreme Court concluded that the legal custody of the child should remain with the father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Court recognised that the child had been living with the mother for a substantial period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court therefore did not simply order an abrupt physical transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, it directed a carefully supervised process of reintegration through the Family Court at Bengaluru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Family Court was asked to oversee the process, with assistance from the CBI and NIMHANS experts involved in the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court also directed that appropriate arrangements be made concerning the mother&#8217;s visitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach demonstrates that the Supreme Court&#8217;s ultimate concern was not simply to determine which parent had won the litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The larger consideration was the welfare and emotional well-being of the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-supreme-court-also-closed-the-other-proceedings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Supreme_Court_Also_Closed_the_Other_Proceedings\"><\/span>The Supreme Court Also Closed the Other Proceedings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court went beyond the POCSO FIR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also directed that the earlier criminal proceedings initiated by the father against the mother be brought to an end and closed the connected contempt proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fresh guardianship proceedings instituted by the mother, which were founded upon the POCSO FIR, were also terminated after the FIR itself was quashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court expressly stated that it wished to bring a quietus to the prolonged acrimonious litigation in the larger interest of the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-directions-to-courts-police-and-authorities-across-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Directions_to_Courts_Police_and_Authorities_Across_India\"><\/span>Directions to Courts, Police and Authorities Across India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment has national significance because the Supreme Court did not limit its directions to the parties before it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court directed that copies of the judgment be sent to the Registrar Generals of the High Courts, with a request that the judgment be brought to the attention of criminal courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Copies were also directed to be sent to the Chief Secretaries of the States and Union Territories for onward transmission to police stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The safeguards are therefore intended to guide authorities dealing with qualifying cases across India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-the-judgment-does-not-say\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_the_Judgment_Does_Not_Say\"><\/span>What the Judgment Does Not Say<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judgment should not be misunderstood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does not say that POCSO complaints arising during matrimonial disputes are presumed to be false.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does not say that a parent accused under POCSO is entitled to avoid investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does not dilute the stringent protections available to children under the POCSO Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does not make expert psychological evaluation a universal requirement in every POCSO investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And it certainly does not prevent the police from arresting an accused where the statutory requirements are satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court expressly emphasised that the safeguards must operate without weakening the object and stringency of the POCSO legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-the-judgment-matters-for-family-litigation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_the_Judgment_Matters_for_Family_Litigation\"><\/span>Why the Judgment Matters for Family Litigation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The practical lesson is significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Matrimonial litigation can sometimes involve several proceedings running simultaneously\u2014divorce, maintenance, domestic violence proceedings, guardianship, custody, criminal complaints and POCSO allegations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When these proceedings overlap, an allegation concerning a child can have consequences far beyond the criminal case itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>custody;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>visitation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reputation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>employment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>family relationships;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the child&#8217;s relationship with either parent;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bail and remand;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and the overall strategy of family litigation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court has therefore attempted to ensure that criminal law is not mechanically converted into a weapon in a custody dispute, while at the same time ensuring that genuine allegations receive serious and sensitive investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That balance is the real importance of this judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-legal-provisions-involved\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Provisions_Involved\"><\/span>Legal Provisions Involved<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Provision<\/th><th>Relevance<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Section 10, POCSO Act, 2012<\/td><td>Punishment for aggravated sexual assault; invoked in the FIR against the father and family members.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section 33, POCSO Act<\/td><td>Powers and procedure of the Special Court; safeguards extended to qualifying private complaints.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section 22, POCSO Act<\/td><td>Deals with punishment relating to false complaints or false information in specified circumstances.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rule 5, POCSO Rules, 2020<\/td><td>Relevant to qualified experts and support persons; DCPUs directed to update expert registers.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section 35, BNSS, 2023<\/td><td>Governs arrest without warrant and requires statutory conditions to be satisfied.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section 75, JJ Act, 2015<\/td><td>Concerns cruelty to a child by a person having actual charge or control over the child.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Section 25, Guardians and Wards Act, 1890<\/td><td>Concerns custody\/restoration of a ward to a guardian.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sections 323, 504, 506 &amp; 34 IPC<\/td><td>Other offences included in the FIR, which was ultimately quashed.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-case-details\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Details\"><\/span>Case Details<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Case Rajeev Giri v. Ekta Singh &amp; Anr. Citation 2026 INSC 1049 Civil Appeal No. 13119 of 2026 arising from SLP (C) No. 1092\/2024 Connected Criminal Appeals Criminal Appeal Nos. 4533, 4534 and 4535\u20134536 of 2026 Court Supreme Court of India Bench Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan Judgment Justice K.V. Viswanathan Date 24 September 2026 POCSO FIR FIR No. 76\/2024, subsequently re-numbered as CBI Case RC0352026S0003<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A POCSO FIR does not automatically mean arrest<\/strong><br>Police must satisfy the statutory requirements governing arrest under Section 35 of the BNSS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matrimonial disputes require additional investigative caution in qualifying cases<\/strong><br>Where the allegation is against a parent or family member living with the child and there is a matrimonial dispute between the parents, the safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court apply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expert assistance can be required<\/strong><br>Investigating authorities should ordinarily involve an appropriately qualified child and adolescent psychiatry or clinical psychology expert.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The expert does not decide the case<\/strong><br>The report assists the investigating agency or court. It does not replace independent legal investigation or judicial assessment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Custody cannot be decided merely because an FIR exists<\/strong><br>A POCSO FIR cannot automatically be treated as proof of the allegation or as a reason to defeat a parent&#8217;s custody claim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The child&#8217;s welfare remains paramount<\/strong><br>Even after criminal proceedings are quashed, courts must consider the child&#8217;s emotional and psychological circumstances while implementing custody orders.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court&#8217;s judgment in Rajeev Giri v. Ekta Singh is an important development in the law governing the intersection of POCSO proceedings, matrimonial disputes and child custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court has not weakened the POCSO Act. Instead, it has attempted to strengthen the integrity of the process by insisting that allegations be investigated carefully, arrests be legally justified and custody decisions not be driven mechanically by the registration of a criminal case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, the judgment recognises a difficult reality of family litigation: once an allegation of sexual abuse is made against a parent, the damage may extend far beyond the eventual outcome of the criminal case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer, therefore, cannot be to take either the allegation or the defence at face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer is a careful, child-sensitive and evidence-based investigation, accompanied by judicial scrutiny at every stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For parents involved in custody litigation, the judgment is particularly significant because it makes clear that the misuse of POCSO Act in matrimonial disputes cannot be presumed, but neither can a genuine allegation be dismissed merely because it arises in the middle of a matrimonial conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every case must ultimately turn on its facts, the evidence collected and the welfare of the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-need-legal-advice-in-a-pocso-custody-or-matrimonial-dispute\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_Legal_Advice_in_a_POCSO_Custody_or_Matrimonial_Dispute\"><\/span>Need Legal Advice in a POCSO, Custody or Matrimonial Dispute?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cases involving POCSO allegations and child custody are extremely sensitive. A criminal proceeding can have immediate consequences for arrest, bail, custody, visitation and the reputation of the accused parent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are facing a POCSO allegation arising in the background of a matrimonial or custody dispute, or if you are concerned about the effect of a POCSO FIR on an existing custody proceeding, the legal strategy should be examined carefully in light of the facts and the material available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/misuse-of-pocso-in-matrimonial-disputes-supreme-court-warns-against-false-child-abuse-allegations-in-family-litigation\/\">Misuse of POCSO in Matrimonial Disputes: Supreme Court Warns Against False Child Abuse Allegations in Family Litigation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bail-under-the-pocso-act-legal-principles-judicial-approach-and-important-case-laws\/\">Bail Under the POCSO Act: Legal Principles, Judicial Approach, and Important Case Laws<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/time-limitation-in-pocso-reporting-should-delay-in-complaints-be-a-barrier-to-justice\/\">Time limitation in POCSO reporting: should delay in complaints be a barrier to justice?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/time-limitation-in-pocso-reporting-should-delayed-complaints-be-time-barred\/\">Time Limitation in POCSO\u00a0Reporting: Should Delayed Complaints Be Time-Barred?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/pocso-act-lawyers-in-pune-legal-assistance-under-pocso-act\/\">POCSO Act Lawyers in Pune | Legal Assistance Under POCSO Act<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Supreme Court Safeguards Against Misuse of POCSO Act in Matrimonial and Child Custody Disputes POCSO FIR Against Father Quashed; Supreme Court Lays Down Important Safeguards for Matrimonial and Custody Disputes The Supreme Court has issued important safeguards against the misuse of the POCSO Act in matrimonial disputes, particularly where allegations of sexual offences are made<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1371,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[839],"class_list":["post-32966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-juvenile-law","tag-juvenile-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.4 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Supreme Court on POCSO Misuse in Matrimonial &amp; 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