The POCSO Act: A Critical Analysis Of India's Legislative Framework For Child Protection Against Sexual Offenses
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Ashutosh Kumar, Research scholar, Netaji Subash University
Dr. Raju Kumar Bhagat, Supervisor, Netaji Subash University
ABSTRACT
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, represents a watershed moment in India's legal framework for safeguarding children against sexual abuse. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Act's provisions, implementation challenges, jurisprudential evolution, and socio-legal implications. Drawing upon empirical data, case law analysis, and interdisciplinary perspectives, this study examines the Act's effectiveness in achieving its protective objectives while identifying systemic gaps that impede justice delivery. The analysis reveals that while POCSO has strengthened child protection mechanisms through gender- neutral provisions and mandatory reporting, significant challenges persist in investigation procedures, witness protection, and reconciling punitive measures with rehabilitative justice. This research contributes to ongoing discourse on child rights legislation and proposes evidence-based recommendations for legislative and procedural reforms.
Keywords: POCSO Act, child sexual abuse, child protection legislation, victim-centered justice, mandatory reporting, Special Courts, digital child safety, restorative justice, Indian criminal law.
