CriminalAct No. 32 of 2012In Force

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

A dedicated law for protection of children (below 18 years) from sexual abuse and exploitation, providing for stringent punishment for offenders and child-friendly judicial procedures. The 2019 amendment increased minimum sentences and introduced the death penalty for aggravated penetrative sexual assault on children below 12 years.

Sections

Ministry

Ministry of Women and Child Development

Last Amended

2019-08-16

Key Provisions

→Offences: penetrative sexual assault, aggravated penetrative sexual assault, sexual harassment

→Child-friendly procedures: recorded statement, no repeated cross-examination by accused

→Mandatory reporting obligation on any person aware of offence

→Special courts for speedy trial — designated under each district

→In camera proceedings — identity of child victim not disclosed

→Burden of proof on accused in certain cases

→Death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on child below 12 (2019 amendment)

→Rehabilitation and compensation for child victims

Related Practice Areas

criminal-defence

POCSOchild sexual abuseprotection of childrenspecial courtmandatory reporting

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Indian government legislation is in the public domain under S.52(1)(q) of the Copyright Act, 1957. This reference is for educational purposes. Laws are amended frequently — verify the current text on the e-Gazette of India before relying on it for legal proceedings.