Archive · 24 Jul 2025
SC Asked to Lower Age of Consent to 16 Years
A lawyer named Indira Jaising wants the Supreme Court to change the law so that teenagers aged 16 and 17 can agree to have sex without it being a crime.
Right now, the law says that if you have sex with someone under 18, it's against the law, even if both people agree to it.
Jaising says that this is unfair because teenagers can be mature enough to make these choices.
She wants the court to say that if teenagers between 16 and 18 agree to have sex, it shouldn't be considered abuse.
Amicus curiae Indira Jaising urged the Supreme Court to lower the age of consent to 16.
Jaising argues current law criminalizes consensual adolescent relationships, violating rights.
The submission references a rise in POCSO prosecutions involving 16-18 year olds.
Jaising cited international norms and Indian jurisprudence to support her argument.
She requested the court to declare consensual sex between 16-18 year olds not abuse.
- Who
- Indira Jaising, amicus curiae, is requesting the change.
- What
- Senior advocate Indira Jaising has urged the Supreme Court to read down the age of consent to 16 years.
- When
- July 24, according to the report.
- Where
- Supreme Court.
- Why
- To acknowledge adolescent autonomy and decriminalize consensual relationships.
Advocate Indira Jaising's Argument
Unstated
Legalization
Advocate Indira Jaising's Argument
Current law criminalizes consensual adolescent relationships and violates their rights.
Unstated
The current law protects minors and prevents exploitation.
- Issue
- Age of consent
- Advocate
- Indira Jaising
- Target Age
- 16
- Current Age of Consent
- 18
- Relevant Law
- POCSO Act, Section 375 of IPC