The court’s judgement highlights a common phenomenon — where minor boys are criminalized under the POCSO act for mutual physical intimacy with a minor girl.

If an act provides sexual gratification similar to that of penetrative sex, it will be termed as 'rape' under the Indian Penal Code, the bench said.

The court sided with a child who was allegedly molested by her adult neighbor, paving the way for victims to be believed, no matter their gender or age.