Govt approves changes in POCSO Act, includes death penalty for sexual offences against children

sfg-2026
ForumIAS LATEST
    1. Prelims Test Series (PTS) for Prelims 2027 starts 11th Oct. 2026 Click Here to know more →
    2. [Pre-order] Ethics Redbook 3rd Edition: Delivery starts from 10th October onwards Click Here to Read More →
    3. 21 Sept. | Forum Residential Coaching (FRC) for UPSC preparation Click Here to know more →
    4. 21 Sept. | GS Advance Program (GSAP) for UPSC 2027 Mains starts from 10th Oct. Click Here to Read More →
  1. The Union Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, 2012.
  2. The amendment provides for stringent punishment, including death penalty, for sexual assault of children.
  3. The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography.
  4. Amendments are also proposed to protect children from sexual offences in times of natural calamities.
  5. The amendments are aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof.
  6. It is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act
  7. Further, it will protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity.
  8. The POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to protect the children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
  9. The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age. Further, the Act is gender neutral.
Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community