Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Union Government of India has reaffirmed its opposition to reducing the age of consent below 18 years old, arguing that doing so would compromise vital protections intended to shield children from exploitation.
The explanation was provided in a written response in the Lok Sabha following a resurgence of discussion following recent judicial judgements that suggested potential "close-in-age" exemptions, also known as a "Romeo-Juliet clause." The government responded by emphasising that the age of consent at 18 is a "conscious and considered policy determination" and that child safety is still the first priority.
In order to prevent manipulation, coercion, and exploitation of minors who are considered incapable of giving informed consent, the government emphasised the importance of maintaining a consistent age of consent across child protection laws, including POCSO, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Reducing the age, according to those who oppose it, might make children more susceptible to abuse and human trafficking and weaken the robust safeguards India has put in place to prevent child sexual offences.
Reducing the age, according to those who oppose it, might make children more susceptible to abuse and human trafficking and weaken the robust safeguards India has put in place to prevent child sexual offences.
Proponents of reform, including some legal professors and advocates, have cited foreign standards where consent ages are lower (often 16) and contend that criminalising consensual interactions between older teenagers in general may unfairly penalise them. But according to the Center, any such dilution may compromise the law's primary goal of protecting children from harm.
Team Yuva Aaveg-
Adarsh Tiwari
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