SC ruling: Child's POCSO disclosure affects custody even if case quashed

The Supreme Court has ruled that even if proceedings under the Protection of Children from Sexual Abuse (POCSO) Act are quashed, the circumstances and background of abuse allegations must still be considered when assessing the welfare of children in custody disputes.

The judgment arose from a seven-year custody battle in which a child's disclosure about alleged abuse by the father formed a critical element. The court clarified that such disclosures cannot be dismissed outright if legal charges are withdrawn, as they remain relevant to determining the child's best interests.

The ruling underscores the judiciary's approach to balancing child protection with due process, ensuring that unproven allegations do not automatically become irrelevant in family law proceedings focused on safeguarding minors.