look news india
POCSO Act Supreme Court: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the misuse of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) Act. Justice B. V. Nagarathna and Justice R. “The POCSO Act is being misused in matrimonial disputes and consensual relationships between minors,” Mahadevan’s bench said.
The bench further said, “We have to make people, especially boys and men, aware about the provisions of this law.” The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) in this case. The petition sought directions to the government to make people aware about anti-rape laws and the POCSO Act.
What did the court say?
– POCSO is being misused in marital disputes.
– Consensual relationships between teenagers have also been wrongly implicated under this law.
There is a need for awareness among boys and men.
The court has postponed the next hearing of this case till December 2. This is because some states and union territories have not yet filed their replies.
What is the demand in the application?
Some important demands have been made in this petition filed by senior advocate Abad Harshad Ponda:
1. Instruct the Ministry of Education to provide information on laws related to crimes against women and children in schools educating children up to 14 years of age.
2. Introduce the topic of moral education – thereby increasing awareness about gender equality, women rights and dignified life.
3. To inform the public about the legal changes made after the Nirbhaya case.
The court has already issued notice to the Central Government, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on this petition.
Why is this important?
POCSO law has been made to protect children from sexual exploitation. But its misuse takes a heavy toll on the lives of innocent people. This comment of the Supreme Court can prove to be a big step towards the correct use of law and awareness.
