Special law to protect children from sexual abuse passed
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- Current News
- Wednesday, 23 May 2012 16:12
- Published on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 19:12
- Hits: 1042
Gujarat Global News Network, New Delhi
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, has been passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday. For the first time, a special law has been passed to address the issue of sexual offences against children.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 has been drafted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Sexual offences are currently covered under different sections of IPC. The IPC does not provide for all types of sexual offences against children and, more importantly, does not distinguish between adult and child victims.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and provides protection to all children under the age of 18 years from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. These offences have been clearly defined for the first time in law. The Act provides for stringent punishments, which have been graded as per the gravity of the offence. The punishments range from simple to rigorous imprisonment of varying periods. There is also provision for fine, which is to be decided by the Court.
An offence is treated as “aggravated” when committed by a person in a position of trust or authority of child such as a member of security forces, police officer, public servant, etc.
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