Protection of Children from Sexual Abuse Act, 2012 (POCSO)

POCSO Act was passed in 2012 to enact a robust legal framework to protect children from sexual harassment, abuse & pornography.

Falling short of its objectives

1. Judicial delays, despite special POCSO courts. NCRB data shows high pendency.

2. Low conviction rate, around 39% (NCRB 2022).

3. Non appointment of child protection officers as guided by Act.

4. Misuse & overcriminalization - increasing cases of criminalizing consensual teen relationships (SC has highlighted this 'Romeo-Juliet' relations laws between 16-18 year olds).

5. Low reporting, poor awareness - due to societal stigma, legal illiteracy, family pressures.

6. Lacunary cases show facets of deterrent effect of law.

Way forward

by Revise law to exempt consensual adolescent acts between minors.

by Child-friendly infrastructure, trained staff in all districts.

by Awareness campaigns in media.

by Good touch, bad touch education in school & home.

by Tech-enabled monitoring of online content.

While a revolutionary step that clearly defined child sexual abuse & made it gender-neutral, promise of Act remains unfulfilled due to gaps in awareness & implementation.