POCSO At Ten

The law gave sexual offences against children the focus it deserved. But consider lowering age of consent from 18

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Today marks ten years of the reform that took sexual offences against children out of the IPC – and the coming into effect ofthe special law, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. From gender-neutral offences to child-friendly special courts following gentler procedures in recording statements and conducting trials, it was a much-needed reform. Cases under POCSO have risen steadily, suggesting greater reporting of offences, but this needs constant upgrading of judicial infrastructure.