Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Supreme Court Considers Lowering Age of Consent in India
Imagine a law says you can't have a romantic relationship until you're 18.
A lawyer is asking India's highest court to change this, suggesting 16 is a reasonable age to decide about relationships.
The lawyer argues that the current law punishes teenagers who agree to be with each other.
She points out that young people grow up faster and can make their own choices.
She wants the court to recognize that sex between teenagers who both agree shouldn't be treated as a crime, like abuse, and that the law should change to reflect this understanding.
Senior advocate Indira Jaising is petitioning the Supreme Court of India to lower the age of consent.
Jaising argues that current law inappropriately criminalizes consensual relationships between 16-18 year olds.
She cites the lack of evidence for raising the consent age from 16 to 18 in 2013.
Jaising proposes a 'close-in-age' exception to protect consensual encounters from prosecution.
She argues sexual autonomy is a fundamental right and cites relevant court precedents.
- Who
- Indira Jaising, a senior advocate, is petitioning the Supreme Court.
- What
- Senior advocate Indira Jaising is petitioning the Supreme Court to lower the age of consent.
- When
- Not explicitly stated, but the petition is ongoing.
- Where
- India, specifically the Supreme Court.
- Why
- To challenge the criminalization of consensual sexual activity between 16 and 18 year olds.
Advocate's Perspective
Implied Status Quo View
Consenting vs. Abuse
Advocate's Perspective
Current laws inappropriately criminalize teenage relationships and disregard their maturity.
Implied Status Quo View
Implied: Existing laws protect minors from potential harm and exploitation.
Adolescent Maturity
Advocate's Perspective
The age of consent should reflect current adolescent development and understanding.
Implied Status Quo View
Implied: The current age of consent is appropriate to safeguard minors.
- Petitioner
- Indira Jaising
- Legal Case
- Nipun Saxena v. Union of India
- Current Age of Consent
- 18 years
- Proposed Age of Consent
- 16 years
- Relevant Act
- POCSO Act 2012 and Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code
- Change Year
- 2013 (Age of consent raised from 16 to 18)