In an order dated September 2, the Sikkim High Court rejected a request to quash a prosecution involving rape and aggravated sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act on the basis of a compromise. The order was uploaded on September 3.
Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan considered a settlement presented by the parties and their families. Relying on Supreme Court precedent, the court held that a private agreement could not justify terminating prosecution for these serious offences, even though the survivor had since reached adulthood.
The decision leaves the criminal proceedings to continue; it is not itself a conviction or a determination of every disputed fact. This dated case report focuses on the legal issue and omits identifying personal circumstances. The parties were left free to seek relief from the Supreme Court, if advised.