The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday orally remarked that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is being misused in cases involving marital discord and consensual relationships between adolescents. While hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking widespread awareness about laws related to sexual offences, a bench stressed the need to educate boys and men about the Act’s legal provisions.

The PIL, filed by senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda, seeks directions to sensitise the public about the penal provisions for rape and the POCSO Act to improve safety for women and girls. The apex court had previously issued notices to the Centre, the Union Ministry of Education, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Central Board of Film Certification

See Full Page