The Indian legal framework governing adolescent relationships presents a fundamental conflict between child protection and individual autonomy. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012, and Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, criminalize all sexual activities involving minors under 18, disregarding adolescent agency and the evolving understanding of consent. This rigid approach undermines constitutional rights, particularly the right to privacy under Article 21 and the right to equality under Article 14. Judicial interventions have attempted to mitigate the law’s harsh consequences by distinguishing between exploitative and consensual relationships, yet legislative inconsistencies persist. Comparative legal analyses reveal that several countries incorporate close-in-age exemptions and focus on restorative justice rather than strict penalization. Indian law must align with these global best practices by recognizing adolescent psychological development and implementing legal reforms that differentiate between exploitation and mutual consent. This article advocates for statutory amendments that introduce close-in-age exemptions, promote non-punitive interventions, and ensure gender-neutrality in legal provisions. A nuanced and balanced legal framework will protect minors from harm while upholding their dignity and autonomy, thereby fostering a more just and equitable legal system.