IMPACT OF POCSO ACT 2012 ON THE INDIAN SOCIETY: A DETAILED LEGAL STUDY

Abstract

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, was introduced as a much-needed response to the rising number regarding sexual offences against children in India. It strikes a significant role in the country’s legal journey towards safeguarding children’s rights by establishing a dedicated legal framework and judicial machinery to address such crimes effectively. Despite the proactive steps taken by Union Ministry of Law & Justice, including the enactment of stringent laws, a societal taboo still lingers around child sexual abuse, making it a deeply underreported and sensitive issue.

This study aims to bridge gap between law and its practice through a comprehensive legal and statistical analysis of the POCSO Act’s implementation and its broader implications on Indian society. It delves into the historical evolution of the Act, examines its interaction with related legislations as the Indian Penal Code and Juvenile Justice Act and evaluates its strengths and limitations through the lens of expert opinions and real-world outcomes.

The paper further investigates the Act’s impact both positive and negative on society, identifies critical legislative gaps, and proposes constructive recommendations for more consistent and effective enforcement. Additionally, it highlights key areas of concern and controversy within the Act’s provisions, aiming to contribute meaningfully to future discourse, policy reform and academic inquiry in the area of child-protection laws.