Bombay High Court orders POCSO accused to fund MacBook for victim

The Bombay High Court recently directed that ₹1.5 lakh deposited by an accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) be used to buy a MacBook or laptop for the minor victim to support her further studies.

Justice Ashwin D Bhobe of the Bombay High Court ordered the registry to utilise the deposited amount to procure the latest version of laptop for the minor victim.

Any balance after the purchase should be transferred to the High Court Employees Medical Welfare Fund in Mumbai, the Court further said.

"I deem it fit and proper to direct the registry to utilise the said amount of ₹1,50,000 to procure the latest version of a MacBook / laptop for the minor victim, in consultation with her, which would suit her needs for her further studies," the judge said.

The direction came while allowing a petition filed by a 52-year-old Pune resident seeking quashing of a first information report (FIR) registered against him at Chaturshrungi Police Station in Pune under the POCSO Act and Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual assault and harassment.

The police had also filed a chargesheet in the case, which was assailed in the petition.

The Court recorded that the minor victim was the niece of the accused and the case arose out of a misunderstanding.

The High Court noted that the girl had also stated before the Judicial Magistrate that she has no grievance against her uncle anymore.

​The girl also reiterated before the Court her no‑objection to quash the proceedings. She also filed an affidavit, emphasising that the same was without any coercion and was of her free will.

​Taking note of the settlement and her no‑objection, Justice Bhobe found no impediment for allowing quashing of the FIR and chargesheet.

The accused agreed to deposit ₹1.5 lakh within two weeks in court as costs, which was a condition precedent for quashing.

Advocates Shahzad Naqvi and Amrin Syed briefed by Naqvi Juris appeared for the accused.

Advocate Sana Subedar appeared for the victim.

Additional public prosecutor PN Dabholkar appeared for State.

[Read Order]