POCSO Act

25 Oct

Supreme Court to Examine if POCSO Act Applies to Women Accused of Sexually Assaulting Minor Boys

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaArchana Patil, gender-neutral law, POCSO Act, Supreme Court

New Delhi, October 25, 2025: The Supreme Court has agreed to examine whether the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, are gender-neutral and if a woman can be prosecuted under the Act for sexually assaulting a minor boy.A Bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma issued a notice to the Karnataka Government while staying the criminal proceedings against a woman, Archana Patil, who faces charges under the POCSO Act. The case will determine whether the Act’s wording allows female offenders to be prosecuted for sexual assault against boys.Patil, 48, is accused…

27 Jul

Centre Firmly Opposes Lowering Age of Consent, Cites Risk of Abuse and Exploitation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaAge of Consent, child protection, POCSO Act, sexual abuse, Supreme Court, Union Government

New Delhi, July 27, 2025: The Union government has strongly opposed any move to reduce the legal age of consent from 18 to 16 years, warning that such a step could endanger children by creating legal loopholes that may be exploited under the pretext of consensual relationships.In a written submission to the Supreme Court, the Centre stated that loosening age-based protections “could open avenues for abuse under the guise of consensual activity.” The statement came as the apex court continues hearing a 2012 public interest litigation filed by Nipun Saxena concerning the age of consent under Indian law.The government asserted…