What is POCSO Act?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Defines various forms of sexual offenses against children, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and aggravated sexual assault
- 2.
Establishes Special Courts for speedy trials of POCSO cases
- 3.
Mandates reporting of offenses to the police and child welfare authorities
- 4.
Provides for punishment ranging from imprisonment to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense
- 5.
Protects the identity of the child victim throughout the legal process
- 6.
Requires the appointment of support persons to assist the child during the trial
- 7.
Imposes a duty on schools, hospitals, and other institutions to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse
- 8.
Includes provisions for rehabilitation and compensation for child victims
- 9.
Amended in 2019 to include stricter penalties for aggravated offenses and to address online child sexual abuse material
- 10.
Section 29 and 30 deals with presumption of offence and burden of proof
Visual Insights
Understanding the POCSO Act
This mind map provides a structured overview of the key aspects of the POCSO Act, including its objectives, key provisions, and related legal frameworks.
POCSO Act, 2012
- ●Objectives
- ●Key Provisions
- ●Legal Framework
- ●Recent Developments
POCSO Act vs. IPC Sections Related to Sexual Offences
This table compares the key provisions of the POCSO Act with relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to sexual offences, highlighting the differences in scope and penalties.
| Feature | POCSO Act, 2012 | Indian Penal Code (IPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Specifically addresses offences against children (under 18 years) | Addresses offences against all individuals, including children |
| Reporting | Mandatory reporting of offences | Reporting not always mandatory |
| Special Courts | Provides for special courts for speedy trials | No special courts specifically for these offences |
| Penalties | Stricter penalties compared to IPC in many cases | Penalties may be less severe in some cases |
| Focus | Child-centric approach with emphasis on rehabilitation | General criminal law approach |
Recent Developments
5 developmentsEstablishment of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to expedite POCSO trials
Supreme Court directives on the appointment of para-legal volunteers (PLVs) at police stations
Increased focus on training of police and judicial officers in handling POCSO cases
Efforts to improve coordination between various stakeholders, including police, child welfare committees, and NGOs
Debate on the effectiveness of the Act in securing convictions and providing justice to child victims