The Uttarakhand High Court recently urged the State government to explore alternatives to arresting minor boys and girls who go on dates.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Bahari and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal stated in its order,

"The State can examine the issue whether recording of the statement under section 161 of CrPC, would be sufficient not to arrest the boy, who has gone on a date with the girl, and at the most, he can be called for giving him advice not to indulge in these things, but he should not be arrested."

The Court further suggested that the State could review this issue and provide general guidelines to the police. This recommendation came during the hearing of a plea requesting the State to investigate the matter of minors being arrested for going on dates following complaints filed by the girls' parents against the boys.

The counsel for the petitioner argued that such incidents do not constitute an offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.