District Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar organized a Sensitization and Awareness Programme on POCSO ACT 2012 at Chandigarh University, Gharuan on Thursday. Surabhi Prashar, CJM-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar stressed on the key features of POCSO act and appealed to the students to raise voice against the crime against minor without any hesitation and fear.
She said that the Protection of Child from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act, 2012 had been enacted to deal with child sexual abuse cases. The Act is come into force with effect from 14th November, 2012. The POCSO Act, 2012 provides for the protection of children from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography, she further added.
She said that the Act contains child friendly provisions for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and speedy trial of offences through Special Courts while adding that the interest of the child are protected at every stage of the judicial process. Under the POCSO Act a child means any person below the age of 18 years.
She further said that under this Act no reports in any media shall disclose, the identity of a child including his name, address, photograph, family details, school, neighborhood or any other particulars which may lead to disclosure of identity of the child. Disclosure can be made only with the permission of Special Court. Special Court may allow disclosure if it is in the interest of the child.