Neutral Citation Number: 2023:DHC:3085-DB

W.P.(C) No.3811/2019

Page 1 of 9

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

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W.P.(C) 3811/2019

INDEPENDENT THOUGHT

..... Petitioner

Through:

Mr. Vikram Srivastava and Ms. Shalu,

Advocates.

versus

UNION OF INDIA & ANR.

..... Respondents

Through:

Ms. Monika Arora, CGSC with Mr. Yash

Tyagi and Mr. Subhrodeep, Advocates for

UOI.

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Date of Decision: 03^rdMay, 2023

CORAM:

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE MANMOHAN

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SAURABH BANERJEE

J U D G M E N T

MANMOHAN, J: (ORAL)

1.

Present writ petition has been filed with the following prayers:-

“a) issue an appropriate writ, order or direction in the nature of certiorari or

Digitally Signed By:JASWANT

SINGH RAWAT

Signing Date:08.05.2023

13:13:53

Signature Not Verified

Neutral Citation Number: 2023:DHC:3085-DB

W.P.(C) No.3811/2019

Page 2 of 9

interest of justice;”

2.

At the outset, learned counsel for the petitioner states that the petitioner

would be satisfied if a declaration is granted to the effect that Section 19 read

with Section 21 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

(‘POCSO Act’) override the restrictions imposed under Section 198(1) read with

Section 198(3) of the