Supreme Court expresses concern over misuse of POCSO Act; Calls for greater awareness

This initiative by the Supreme Court is not only an important step towards developing a correct understanding of the POCSO Act, but also a meaningful effort towards increasing gender equality and sensitivity in society. The court clarified that awareness is the key to true safety.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court recently expressed deep concern over the misuse of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. The court stated that the law was enacted to protect children from sexual crimes, but now it is being misused in many cases. The bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan noted that the law is sometimes being applied to disputes between husband and wife or consensual relationships between teenagers, which is contrary to its original purpose.

Emphasis On Need For Awareness Campaigns

During the hearing, the court noted that there is a lack of proper information and understanding of this law among men and teenagers in society. Therefore, it is extremely important to launch a large-scale awareness campaign on this subject. The court remarked, "We are seeing that the POCSO Act is often being misused in cases of conflict or consensual sex. Therefore, it is timely to provide a proper understanding of this law to boys and men."

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PIL Hearing Postponed Until December 2

This remark came while the Supreme Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL). The petition sought directions to the Central Government, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to create awareness among the public about rape and POCSO laws. The court postponed the next hearing of the case until December 2, as several states and union territories have not yet submitted their views on the issue.

Demand For Guidelines To Ministry of Education

The PIL also urged the Ministry of Education to direct all schools in the country to provide children with basic information about laws related to crimes against women and children. Additionally, moral education should be included in the school curriculum to educate children about gender equality, women's rights, and the importance of a dignified life.

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Awareness Initiatives Through Media and Films

The petitioner suggested that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the CBFC ensure that the public is informed about the consequences and punishments for crimes like rape through films, TV shows, and media campaigns. The court agreed, stating that the safety of girls is possible not only through laws but also through changing societal mindsets and this change should begin at the school level.

This initiative by the Supreme Court is not only an important step towards developing a correct understanding of the POCSO Act, but also a meaningful effort towards increasing gender equality and sensitivity in society. The court clarified that awareness is the key to true safety.