In Kochi, a High Court bench led by Justice A Badharudeen ruled that sending messages and making calls to a minor without any sexual intentions does not constitute an offence under the Pocso Act. The case involved a 24-year-old man accused of causing distress to a 17-year-old victim by sending messages and making calls. The police had registered a case under stalking and sexual harassment laws, but the petitioner argued against it. The victim submitted an affidavit stating that the issue was resolved, but the prosecution insisted the case could not be settled due to Pocso laws. The bench clarified that for a Pocso offence to apply, there must be evidence of sexual intent in the messages or interactions. The prosecution's claims were based on the disturbance caused to the victim, but there was no proof of repeated contact with sexual intent.