Let Teens Grow Up

Nepal is thinking about changing a law that treats teenagers in relationships like criminals. That’s a good idea — and India should think about doing the same.

In Nepal, the law currently says people under 18 cannot legally have sex, even if both teenagers agree to it. India has a similar law under POCSO Act. But Nepal’s new law minister wants to change this by adding something called a “close-in-age exemption.” This means that if two teenagers are around the same age and both agree to the relationship, they would not be treated as criminals.

Right now in India, if parents or adults disapprove of a teenage relationship, they can go to the police. Even if both teens agreed to the relationship, one teenager — usually the boy — can end up in jail. The girl’s opinion often does not matter legally. This can ruin young people’s futures and cause emotional damage.

Many courts in India, including the Supreme Court of India and several High Courts, have said that these laws are sometimes hurting the very teenagers they were meant to protect. Studies have found that many such cases begin because angry parents complain after a teenage couple runs away together or the girl becomes pregnant.

There is also confusion in Indian law. Child marriage is illegal, but sex with an underage wife is still treated differently in some situations. This shows that society and lawmakers are still struggling with how to think about teenagers growing up and making choices.

The article says teenagers should be protected from abuse, but not punished for normal growing-up experiences and relationships with people their own age. India, it argues, should follow Nepal’s example and make laws fairer and kinder for teenagers.

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