Question Q.8GS2GS2

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.

Main Body

POCSO act (Protection of children from sexual offences) 2012 embodies the government measure to prevent the child sexual offences. However the NCRB report (2022) highlights the grim threat of sexual offences against children.

POCSO main provisions:

(1) Mandatory reporting of the offence by those who knew the crime

(2) Gender neutral law

(3) Covers children below 18 years old

(4) Victim centre and confidential investigation places

(5) Strict punishment mechanism

Issues with POCSO act from achieving the intended objectives:

1Conviction rate low in the

2Issue of criminality—the consensual relationship as teenagers (Activity calling for version of the law)

3Overlap with the BNS providing laws legal multiplicity

4Often issue with the backlash of reporting by relatives (secret as a choice over reporting)

5Issue with Confiden tility → as often the investigative procedures complicating the problem

6Delay in the process—as mandated time limit (and more)

(CRIME NCRAB)

2Issue of criminality—the consensual relationship as teenagers (Activity calling for version of the law)

3Overlap with the BNS providing laws legal multiplicity

4Often issue with the backlash of reporting by relatives (secrecy as a choice over reporting)

5Issue with Confiden tility → as often the investigative procedures complicating problem

6Delay in the process—as mandated time limit (and more)

3Awareness amidst parent and children about POCSO

Way ahead:

1Conviction to ensure fair POCSO conviction rate using equal investigative techniques

Thus, as children are the future of the nation', law like POCSO should be effective, multi-sectoral and efficient.

259 words12 paragraphs

Conclusion

Thus, as children are the future of the nation', law like POCSO should be effective, multi-sectoral and efficient.

18 words

Clear enumeration of POCSO provisions
Systematic identification of issues
Reference to NCRB data
Recognition of intersecting legal frameworks
Balanced approach addressing challenges and solutions
Focus on awareness and conviction rates
Emphasis on efficiency in legal processes

Open original scan

Page 15

Topper

MOHAMMED ASHMIL SHAH

AIR 3822025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections - Performance, Mechanisms, Laws and Institutions

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

POCSO Act 2012 - effectiveness and challenges

Writing Stats

277

Total words

Paragraphs

prescriptive and reform-oriented

Tone