Pocso overrides personal law, can’t quash ‘halala rape’ FIR, says HC
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the POCSO Act supersedes personal laws, refusing to quash an FIR against nine individuals accused of repeated rape under the guise of nikah halala. The court emphasized that religious practices cannot shield sexual offenses against minors, even if the marriage was solemnized under personal law. The FIR alleges exploitation of a minor in 2016 and a subsequent gang rape as an adult.
