Rapid Fire
Section 19 of POCSO Act
- 26 Apr 2025
- 2 min read
The Supreme Court (SC) has agreed to examine concerns raised about Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Section 19 of POCSO Act:
- It mandates mandatory reporting of known or suspected sexual offences by any person, including the child.
- Reports must be made to police in a child-friendly manner. Non-reporting and false complaints are punishable. It aims to ensure immediate care, protection, and timely intervention.
Concerned Raised:
- Section 19’s mandatory reporting clause criminalizes consensual adolescent relationships, discouraging youth from seeking medical help and pushing them toward unregulated care. It also creates a conflict for medical professionals, compromising both autonomy and access to healthcare.
POCSO Act
- About: The POCSO Act was enacted to address sexual exploitation and abuse of children, defining a child as anyone below 18 years.
- It was enacted in consequence to India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1992).
- Key Features:
- The Act is gender-neutral, protecting both boys and girls from sexual abuse. It provides for interim compensation by Special Courts and immediate relief through the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for urgent needs.
- A support person is appointed to assist the child through legal proceedings. Section 23 ensures confidentiality by prohibiting disclosure of the victim’s identity in the media.
| Read More: Strengthening POCSO Act 2012 |
