POSCO

Guiding you through life’s most sensitive legal challenges with compassion and expertise.

The POCSO Act, 2012 is a comprehensive Indian law aimed at safeguarding children (under 18 years) from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and exploitation through pornography.
The Act provides clear definitions of sexual offenses, prescribes stringent punishments, and ensures a child-friendly legal process.
It is a gender-neutral law, protecting both boys and girls and applying equally to offenders of any gender.
The Act also establishes Special Courts for speedy trials and mandates reporting of offenses by adults.

Age Definition
- A “child” is defined as any person below 18 years of age.
Gender-Neutral Protection
- Applies uniformly to male and female victims; does not differentiate between male and female offenders.
Range of Offenses Covered
- Includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, aggravated sexual assault, and use of children for pornographic purposes.
Child-Friendly Procedures
- Ensures sensitive handling of child victims through:
  - Supportive medical examinations
  - Non-intimidating recording of statements
  - Protection of identity
  - Trauma-free court testimonies
Special Courts
- Establishes exclusive courts to hear POCSO cases, ensuring speedy and focused trials.
Mandatory Reporting
- Any adult aware of an offense against a child must report it to authorities; failure to do so is punishable.

To provide a comprehensive legal framework addressing sexual offenses against children.
To impose strict punishments on offenders.
To establish mechanisms ensuring support, care, and protection for child victims.
To maintain a child-friendly justice system tailored to the emotional and psychological needs of minors.