STATE OF KERALA vs O.C. KUTTAN .

The Supreme Court held that the Kerala High Court erred in quashing criminal proceedings against the accused under Sections 366A, 372, 376, and 344 read with Section 34 IPC, based on the conclusion that the victim was above 16 years of age and had consented to sexual activities. The Court emphasized that the allegations made by the victim warranted further investigation, as they involved serious offenses including rape and trafficking. The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order, allowing the criminal proceedings to continue.