RAMAHIA AND ORS. Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioners are parents of a minor girl by name Varalakshmi, aged about 15 years. Based on an information given by a Doctor that the said minor girl was pregnant, the Child Development Officer lodged a complaint which has been registered as Cr.No.292/2014 in K.R.Nagar Police Station alleging commission of offences punishable under Sections 366, 376 IPC, Section 4 of POCSO Act, 2012 & Sections 9, 10 & 11 of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

(2.) Heard Sri. Raju C.N., learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and the learned Additional SPP for respondent - State and perused the records.

(3.) Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that the minor girl of the petitioners herein had eloped with one Sri. Madhu S/o Siddaraju. The petitioners had not lodged any complaint before the police fearing social stigma and were making efforts to secure their daughter back. He further submits that as parents, they have suffered untold hardship and misery. He further submits that their daughter has given a voluntary statement under Section 164, Cr.P.C., before the learned JMFC., K.R.Nagar stating that she was in love with said Madhu and had voluntarily gone with him to get marry.