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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court, on Tuesday, dismissed a plea seeking action against the Dalai Lama for allegedly molesting a boy by kissing him on the lips in February of the previous year. 

A division bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gadela, acknowledged that the Dalai Lama had apologized to those who were offended by his actions. The bench further noted that 'The Dalai Lama's actions were intended to be playful and should be understood within the context of Tibetan culture'.

The bench also considered the current strained status of the religious sect led by the Dalai Lama. The court emphasized that the incident occurred publicly, and the minor had expressed a desire to meet and hug the Dalai Lama.

These observations stemmed from a public interest litigation seeking actions against Dalai Lama under the POCSO Act. The court, however, concluded that the matter did not warrant a PIL and dismissed the petition filed by various NGOs and individuals advocating for child welfare. 

Furthermore, the bench observed that the incident was not premeditated and noted the Dalai Lama's apology. The court noted that the government would review the matter, but they did not see it as a case of public interest that should be pursued through a PIL.

The NGO argued that not addressing the issue could normalize kissing minors on the lips, emphasizing that parents might be influenced by spiritual leaders to involve their children in such acts.

However, the court opined that various behaviors by spiritual leaders, such as kicking or thrashing followers, could not be regulated by the judiciary. The court, therefore, advised the petitioners to file a formal complaint if they were aggrieved and to let the matter rest, deeming it inappropriate for a PIL.

Accordingly, the court dismissed the PIL. 

Case Title: Confederations of NGOs v Union of India