Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan | Madurai Bench | May 2026_ Madras HC orders ₹1 lakh compensation for girl forced to file POCSO complaint against father |
[16/05, 07:40] sekarreporter1: Madras HC orders ₹1 lakh compensation for girl forced to file POCSO complaint against father | https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/madras-hc-orders-1-lakh-compensation-for-girl-forced-to-file-pocso-complaint-against-father
[16/05, 07:40] Meta AI: *Madras HC orders ₹1 lakh compensation for girl forced to file false POCSO complaint against father*
_Crl.OP(MD) No.9466 of 2026 | Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan | Madurai Bench | May 2026_
*1. What happened*
A minor girl from Virudhunagar called *1098 child helpline* during quarrels at home. Her father had scolded her for _“using a mobile phone throughout the day”_, which led to frequent fights between him and his wife.
*Child Welfare officials’ action*: The CWC official who attended the call _“allegedly insisted that she give a complaint stating that her father had subjected her to ‘bad touch’”_. The girl was _“compelled to make false allegations”_.
*FIR & arrest*: Based on that, All Women Police Station, Virudhunagar registered case on *April 16, 2026* under *Sections 7 & 8 POCSO Act* – sexual assault. Father arrested.
*2. Madras HC findings – May 2026*
*Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan* granted bail to the father and slammed the misuse of helpline:
1. *Purpose of 1098*: _“The object of the ‘1098’ Child Helpline mechanism is to protect children in distress and to provide immediate assistance, care, and counselling. The said mechanism cannot be permitted to be misused in a manner causing further mental trauma and ignominy to children by compelling them to make false allegations.”_
2. *Impact of false cases*: _“False allegations carry devastating consequences resulting in reputational damage, severe psychological trauma and legal entanglements.”_
3. *Girl’s statement*: Court noted she was _“forced to make allegations against her father”_ and there was _“inducement and coercion”_.
*3. Directions issued*
1. *Compensation*: _“District Collector, Virudhunagar to pay a compensation of Rs. 1,00,000 to the victim for the mental trauma undergone by her, compelling her to make allegations against her father.”_
2. *Enquiry*: IG of Police, South Zone to _“conduct an enquiry against the officer attached to the Child Welfare Committee, District Collector, Virudhunagar District, and the officer who attended the ‘1098’ call and insisted the victim to make false allegations”_.
3. *Guidelines*: State directed to _“frame suitable guidelines for authorities dealing with children, including 1098 officials, CWCs and police personnel to ensure fair and transparent recording of children’s statements… without inducing, tutoring or coercing the children to make allegations against any person, including family members.”_
*4. Court flags “alarming trend”*
HC called it an _“alarming trend”_ of child welfare officials and police _“allegedly inducing children to accuse fathers of sexual abuse”_. Said _“Frame rules, not fathers”_.
*5. Related context*
This isn’t isolated. Another Madras HC judgment noted: _“Unfortunately, the victim girl has been tutored by her own mother to depose falsely”_ in a POCSO case where father was acquitted. Court said _“criminal law, especially stringent laws like POCSO, cannot be misused as a weapon in marital disputes.”_
*Bottom line*: Madurai Bench held that 1098 helpline/CWC forced a girl to file false POCSO case against her dad over a phone-use scolding. Father got bail. Girl gets ₹1 lakh compensation from Virudhunagar Collector for trauma. Court ordered probe against CWC official and guidelines to stop coercing kids.
*Citation*: 2026 LiveLaw (Mad) 209 | Bar & Bench report May 2026 9920
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