Context : The Supreme Court of India reinforced that consuming sexually explicit content involving minors is a serious crime under the POCSO Act.
About the POCSO Act (2012)
India’s first comprehensive law addressing child sexual abuse, administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Aims to:
Protect children from sexual assault, harassment, and pornography.
Establish Special Courts for speedy trials.
Amended in 2019: Introduced stricter penalties for severe offences.
Key Provisions
Gender-neutral: Defines a child as anyone under 18 years.
Mandatory Reporting: Failure to report sexual offences is punishable.
No Time Limit: Abuse can be reported anytime, even after years.
Confidentiality: Victim’s identity cannot be disclosed without Special Court approval.