Madhya Pradesh High Court: While hearing criminal appeals against convictions under the (POCSO Act), a Division Bench of Suresh Kumar Kait, CJ., and Vivek Rusia, J., noted a significant increase in cases of sexual assault and harassment involving children under the age of 18 years. The Court directed the registry to register a suo moto writ petition to investigate compliance with Sections and of the and issued notices to the following respondents to file replies within four weeks.
The Court stated that the POCSO Act was enacted to address inadequacies in existing laws concerning sexual offences against children and the Act became effective on 14-11-2012. The Court highlighted that across Madhya Pradesh, many trials remain pending in Special Courts under the POCSO Act. Additionally, 14,531 criminal appeals are pending in all three benches of the High Court. The Court noted that the majority of cases involve victims aged 16—18 and offenders aged 19—22, thereby highlighting a pressing social issue.
The Court stated that Section of the imposes a duty on the Central and State Governments to publicize the Act widely via media to raise awareness among the public, children, parents, and guardians and provide periodic training to concerned authorities, including police officers, for effective implementation of the Act. It was stated that Section of the mandates monitoring of the Act’s implementation by the National and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights.
The Court asserted that a lack of awareness about the provisions of the POCSO Act is a key factor contributing to the rise in sexual offences against children. The Court emphasised on the need for compliance with Sections and of the to curb offences and protect youth.
While taking matter suo motu in order to enquire from the Central Government as well as the State Government of Madhya Pradesh as to what steps have been taken under Sections 43 and 44 regarding the implementation of the POCSO Act and the rules, the Court directed the registry to register it as a Suo Moto Writ Petition and issue notices to —
Union of India (Ministry of Women and Child Development)
Chief Secretary, State of Madhya Pradesh
Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development, M.P.
Director General of Police, M.P.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (if established)
[Suomotu in reference to compliance of Section 43 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012, Decided on 10-12-2024]
Buy Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
The post appeared first on .