Supreme Court Flags Misuse of POCSO Act, Calls for Greater Awareness
The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the potential misuse of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, particularly in cases arising from marital disputes. The court highlighted that the Act, designed to protect minors from sexual abuse, may sometimes be invoked improperly, leading to legal and social complications.
The observations came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) that pointed out gaps in understanding and implementation of sexual offence laws. The Supreme Court urged the government, legal authorities, and civil society to conduct awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the proper use of POCSO provisions and the severe implications of filing false or frivolous complaints.
The bench emphasized the need to strike a balance between protecting children and preventing misuse of legal provisions, calling for responsible enforcement, sensitization of authorities, and public awareness to safeguard both justice and rights.
