A Mumbai court has sentenced a 26-year-old man to three years in prison for stalking and blowing a "flying kiss" to a minor girl during a pre-wedding ceremony nearly nine years ago.
The case dates back to January 31, 2017. The accused, who was 19 at the time, followed the victim during a haldi function and blew her a kiss. After a neighbor alerted the girl's mother, the minor revealed that the man had a history of following her to her tuition classes and had once even grabbed her hand.
While the defense argued that the flying kiss was simply a "dance gesture," the court dismissed the claim. The judge ruled that the act was sexually suggestive, violated the victim's modesty, and constituted sexual harassment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Despite the man's plea for leniency noting he is now married with an infant the court emphasised the gravity of the offense. He was convicted of sexual harassment and stalking, receiving a three-year jail term.
For more details on legal precedents regarding minor protection, you can monitor updates from the Bombay High Court or the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
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