Uttarakhand: 14-year-old minor becomes mother in Pithoragarh, case registered under POCSO against youth working in Pune

Pithoragarh/Dehradun: A disturbing incident has come to light from Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. A 14 year old minor girl has given birth to a child in the district hospital here. Seeing the seriousness of this matter, the administration has started strict legal action against the young man claiming to be the father of the newborn. Child Welfare Committee (CWC) took charge. The pregnant girl was brought to the hospital after suffering labor pain. Given the girl’s young age and legal complications, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), a state government body, took over the role of guardian. Committee Chairman L. S. Khati told that the necessary consent letters to the doctors to perform the surgery (cesarean operation) were given by the committee, after which the delivery took place. The case is related to Pune, serious sections are imposed on the accused. The victimized minor narrated her ordeal to the committee, which is quite sad. Background: According to the minor, her parents had separated when she was very young. Relationship and escapades: Last year she came in contact with a young man from Munsiyari and started dating him. Went to Pune. While staying there, she became pregnant. Legal action: The young man claiming to be the father of the child works in Pune. Munsiyari Police has registered a case against the accused under Section 64(1), 87 of the Indian Justice Code and Section 5/6 of the POCSO Act. Future Security: Assistance till the age of 18 years. The Child Welfare Committee has prepared a special plan for the future of the newborn and minor mother. Special Care: After being discharged from the hospital, the mother and the child will be placed in a Specialized Adoption Agency. Assistance: L. S. Khati clarified that the institution will take the responsibility of complete care, support and legal protection of the girl and her child till she turns 18. Legal aspect: Consent of minor is not important. According to the law, having physical relations with a girl below 18 years of age falls under the category of crime, even if it involves the consent of the girl. In such cases, there is a provision for strict punishment under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act). Pithoragarh Police is now taking further action to arrest the accused youth.