Overview
- Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi stayed the March 17 Allahabad High Court ruling that had reduced the case to Section 354B IPC.
- The trial court, if it proceeds, must treat the accused as summoned under Section 376 IPC and Section 18 of the POCSO Act, with no final view on guilt expressed.
- The court indicated it may issue comprehensive, gender-sensitive directions after lawyers cited similar insensitive observations across different courts.
- Counsel were asked to submit brief written suggestions, with the case listed for further consideration in January 2026.
- The bench directed the local SHO to inform the accused about the proceedings and ruled out further adjournments related to service of notice.