Kiss on cheeks or lip is sexual abuse: HC

A Special Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (POCSOA) court, on Friday, denied bail to a 25-year-old man accused of molesting a nine-year-old child, upholding that a kiss on the cheek or lip amounts to sexual harassment. Additionally, the POCSOA court held that granting bail to the accused would lead to serious psychological issues for the victim when she sees her.

The accused, who owns a shop in Kalina, was arrested by the Vakola police in May 2018. The prosecution alleged that the victim had approached the grocery shop owned by the accused. The accused called the victim on the pretext of giving her eatables and subsequently, assaulted her.

The minor slapped his hand and managed to escape. Later, she informed her parents about the incident.

However, the accused has denied the allegations. The accused has said that the victim's family used to take groceries on credit, hence they have falsely implicated him.

The court, in its order, said, "The victim has categorically stated about the act of the accused. Her mother lodged the report on the same day. There is prima facie sufficient material against accused that he has committed an act of sexual assault upon the victim by kissing her on the cheeks and lip. So, bail is not justifiable. If victim sees accused of being released on bail, it may have a serious impact on the psyche of the victim."