PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE WITH REFERENCE TO POCSO ACT 2012, AND OTHER LAWS

Abstract

Abstract

Children are among the purest creations of God. Before the enactment of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, there was no specific legislation exclusively addressing the protection of children from sexual abuse. Following the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, the legislature enacted the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. This comprehensive law safeguards minors against sexual assault, harassment, and child pornography, while also protecting their interests throughout investigation and trial stages. The Act recognizes that both victims and offenders can be male, female, or of the third gender, making it gender-neutral. It brought hope for reform in the criminal justice system by establishing special courts, allowing female officers to record statements from girl child victims, granting legal protections, and mandating decisions within a year. This paper attempts to explore the implementation, challenges, and issues of the POCSO Act of 2012 alongside other penal provisions addressing offences against children. The definition of 'child' is also discussed in the context of this legislation.