A local Mumbai Court on Monday has granted bail to a 23-years-old man who was accused of abducting a 14-year-old girl and sexually assaulting her. The man was granted bail under a specialProtection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act as it was alleged that the accused suffers from a psychological condition called Peter Pan Syndrome.
What is Peter Pan Syndrome
It is a psychological condition in which grown men and women run away from their personal and professional responsibilities of adulthood, In other words ‘Peter Pan Syndrome isa psychological condition that describes a socially immature adult, whether men or women.
The syndrome in layman’s language can be called an overgrown child as psychologist Dan Kiley, who coined the term ‘Peter Pan Syndrome’ explains the adult sufferingfrom this condition ‘refuses to grow and behave their age.’
People suffering from Peter Pan Syndrome can be sensitive towards others need and does not want to work or make long term plans. “They want to live for the moment,” saidMaanwi Sharma (Clinical psychologist)
The psychologist further explained that this syndrome can often be confused with narcissistic or antisocial behavior because people with the syndrome can’t express empathy andare impulsive in behavior. “They can often be addicted to alcohol and can be aggressive and act inappropriately. However, patients can be dealt well in a playful way to conduct their daily routine.”
The case
Sunil Pandey, the lawyer of the accused has alleged that the victim was in a relationship with the accused. The applicant is minor but knew what she was doing. Pandey also claimed thatthe victim herself left her parents’ house and started living with the accused.
The lawyer also told the court that girl’s family got to know about their relationship, but did not support it due to the boy's illness and his poor background. It was alsoalleged that the families of both accused and the victim were not on good terms with each other.