The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 was passed by the Lok Sabha on 22nd May, 2012. It is a remarkable initiative on the part of Government . The Act provides that sex with an individual below 18 years a criminal offense. The Act provides for severe punishments, which depends as per the gravity of the offence. Punishments for Offences covered in the Act are: · Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3) – Not less than seven years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 4) · Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 5) –* Not less than ten years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 6) · Sexual Assault (Section 7) – Not less than three years which may extend to five years, and fine (Section 8) · Aggravated Sexual Assault (Section 9) – Not less than five years which may extend to seven years, and fine (Section 10) · Sexual Harassment of the Child (Section 11) – Three years and fine (Section 12) · Use of Child for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13) – Five years and fine and in the event of subsequent conviction, seven years and fine (Section 14 (1)) What do you think? Will this Act be able to stop sexual crime against children?
The Protection of Children From Sexual Offence Act, 2012 is a remarkable initiative taken on the part of Government. There are many children those are victims of sexual abuse and this Act is enacted in order to provide protection to children from such acts of disgrace. I am sure, this act will be able to fulfill its objective of protecting children against crime.
This act in my view is a great one but to achieve its objective, it needs to be implemented properly. This act should have been enacted earlier nevertheless, its proper execution can save many children from the trauma of being abused sexually. This Act will surely be able to achieve its objective only if we, the citizens are more alert.
