Rajya Sabha recently deliberated on a private member’s bill proposing amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012. Members from various political parties united in emphasizing the necessity for more victim-centric reforms to enhance the legislation’s effectiveness and ensure its robust implementation.
The proposed amendment, introduced by Fauzia Khan of the Nationalist Congress Party-Secular Congress Party (NCP-SCP), seeks to impose stricter penalties on individuals committing sexual offenses against children. Khan highlighted alarming statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), noting a staggering 94% increase in POCSO cases over six years since 2017. By May 2024, registered cases had surpassed 200,000, with 162,000 cases resolved.
Khan articulated the bill’s objectives, stating, “The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Amendment Bill 2024 aims to address these challenges by introducing victim-centric reforms. The key objectives of this Bill include addressing ambiguities in reporting offences and compensating victims; introducing clear and structured compensation procedures to prevent delays; mandating training for stakeholders, including educational institutions and child care personnel, to ensure effective implementation.”
A notable provision in the proposed bill mandates that law enforcement agencies present the affected child before the Child Welfare Committee and report the case to the special court, or the sessions court if a special court is unavailable, within 24 hours of the incident’s reporting. This stipulation introduces a specific timeline that was previously absent, aiming to expedite the legal process and provide timely support to victims.
The discussion underscored a collective resolve among lawmakers to strengthen the POCSO Act, ensuring that it not only punishes offenders but also provides comprehensive support and justice to victims. The emphasis on structured compensation procedures and mandatory training for stakeholders reflects a holistic approach to child protection, addressing both preventive and remedial measures.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it symbolizes a critical step toward reinforcing the legal framework protecting children from sexual offenses in India. The proposed amendments aim to create a more responsive and victim-centered system, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive the protection and justice they deserve.
