The Uttarakhand High Court has raised the issue of discrimination in police action in cases of dating by minor boys and girls. The High Court has questioned the state government that if a minor boy and girl are going on a date together, then why should only minors be arrested after the complaint of the girl's parents?
A bench of Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal asked the Uttarakhand government to see whether taking a statement under Section 161 of the CrPC is not enough to not arrest such a minor girl and release her. The High Court asked the Uttarakhand government whether it is necessary to arrest the minor? “In such cases, the juvenile can be called to the police station and advised not to get involved in such cases in future, but the juvenile should not be arrested.” On a public interest petition, the High Court had directed the government to investigate such cases and instruct the police.
20 such teenagers are imprisoned in Haldwani jail: Petitioner
In fact, lawyer Manisha Bhandari has raised the issue of gender inequality in her PIL. The petition states that even in cases of consensual relationships, the bride is seen as a victim. On the other hand, a minor is put in jail saying that such things are a crime. Lawyer Manisha Bhandari claimed that she found 20 such juvenile prisoners in Haldwani jail. Based on the lawyer's argument, the High Court raised the question that why only minors should be arrested in such a case? In such a situation, calling them to the police station for counseling would be enough. The next hearing in this case will be on August 6.