POSCO ACT

Introduction:
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is a comprehensive law in
India that was enacted in 2012 to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The
act defines various forms of sexual abuse, including penetrative and non-penetrative
assault, and provides for stringent punishment, including life imprisonment in certain cases.
The act also lays down provisions for the protection of child victims during the legal process,
including special courts and the appointment of a special public prosecutor. The POCSO Act
is considered a landmark piece of legislation in India, aimed at ensuring the safety and
protection of children and upholding their rights.

Drawback:
While the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in India is considered a
comprehensive law aimed at addressing the issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation,
there are several flaws that have been identified in its implementation:
1. Lack of Awareness: There is a lack of awareness about the provisions of the POCSO
Act among both the public and law enforcement agencies, leading to low levels of
reporting and inadequate response to cases of child sexual abuse.
2. Overburdened Judiciary: The judicial system in India is overburdened, leading to long
delays in the disposal of cases under the POCSO Act.
3. Inadequate Support Services: There is a shortage of support services for child victims
of sexual abuse, such as counselling and rehabilitation services.
4. Police Insensitivity: In many cases, the police are insensitive to the needs of child
victims and do not follow proper procedures for dealing with cases under the POCSO
Act.
5. Resistance from Society: There is still a high level of stigma and resistance to
addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in Indian society, which can lead to
underreporting and ineffective response.
6. Lack of Coordination: There is often a lack of coordination between different
agencies involved in dealing with cases under the POCSO Act, leading to gaps in the
response to child sexual abuse.
These flaws highlight the need for continued efforts to improve the implementation of the
POCSO Act and ensure the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation in
India.