POCSO At Ten

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

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.