Rising awareness about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012 has resulted in an increase in the number of complaints filed in Adilabad district in recent months. The Act seems to have succeeded in assuring parents of victims the complete ‘protection’ of their minor wards right from the time the complaint is lodged and even during the trial.
Adilabad First Additional District Judge Sunitha Kunchala, who heads the designated court to try offences under the POCSO, discusses in an interview with S. HARPAL SINGH the advantages and need for more clarity on some aspects of the Act.
How is this Act any different from existing laws?
Earlier, sexual offences against minors would be dealt under the Indian Penal Code provisions like any other crime. Compared to IPC, the POCSO has more safeguards as it guarantees victims immediate monetary compensation, an in-camera trial and complete anonymity.
During the trial, the victim is kept hidden from the accused, though the former will be able to see the accused for purpose of identification. The name of the victim will not be revealed even in the judgement delivered by courts.
What is the status of implementation of POCSO Act in Adilabad?
We have about 30 cases registered under the POCSO Act in recent months. This is considered to be high for a district like Adilabad.
Is the incidence of crime under POCSO on the rise?
No, it is the awareness of people about the Act that is going up, prompting them to lodge complaints. With the help of the District Legal Services Authority, we have taken up a number of awareness programmes among students and the general public. People are more aware of the safeguards and the stringent penal provision of the Act now than before.
What is the punishment provided for offences under POCSO?
Sexual offences against children, be it female or male, under 18 years of age will attract jail between 3 years and life imprisonment, depending upon the severity of the crime.
Is the POCSO Act adequate to deal with sexual crime against children?
Yes, it has the gamut covered. However, there is a need for clarity on who will provide compensation to be given immediately to the victim irrespective of the outcome of the case.
Compared to IPC, POCSO Act has more safeguards as it guarantees victims immediate monetary compensation, an in-camera trial and complete anonymity - Sunitha Kunchala
Adilabad First Additional District Judge
Adilabad First Additional District Judge Sunitha Kunchala, who heads the designated court to try offences under the POCSO, discusses in an interview with S. HARPAL SINGH the advantages and need for more clarity on some aspects of the Act.
How is this Act any different from existing laws?
Earlier, sexual offences against minors would be dealt under the Indian Penal Code provisions like any other crime. Compared to IPC, the POCSO has more safeguards as it guarantees victims immediate monetary compensation, an in-camera trial and complete anonymity.
During the trial, the victim is kept hidden from the accused, though the former will be able to see the accused for purpose of identification. The name of the victim will not be revealed even in the judgement delivered by courts.
What is the status of implementation of POCSO Act in Adilabad?
We have about 30 cases registered under the POCSO Act in recent months. This is considered to be high for a district like Adilabad.
Is the incidence of crime under POCSO on the rise?
No, it is the awareness of people about the Act that is going up, prompting them to lodge complaints. With the help of the District Legal Services Authority, we have taken up a number of awareness programmes among students and the general public. People are more aware of the safeguards and the stringent penal provision of the Act now than before.
What is the punishment provided for offences under POCSO?
Sexual offences against children, be it female or male, under 18 years of age will attract jail between 3 years and life imprisonment, depending upon the severity of the crime.
Is the POCSO Act adequate to deal with sexual crime against children?
Yes, it has the gamut covered. However, there is a need for clarity on who will provide compensation to be given immediately to the victim irrespective of the outcome of the case.
Compared to IPC, POCSO Act has more safeguards as it guarantees victims immediate monetary compensation, an in-camera trial and complete anonymity - Sunitha Kunchala, Adilabad First Additional District Judge
Headline has been changed for a factual error
