Gender Neutrality in the POCSO Act, 2012: Ensuring Comprehensive Child Protection

Recently, the Supreme Court issued a notice in a case involving a woman accused of 'penetrative sexual assault' on a minor boy under Section 3 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

• This case has sparked debate on the gender neutrality of the Act, particularly in terms of whether it adequately covers female perpetrators of child sexual abuse.

POCSO Act

• It was enacted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to address and prevent sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment of children.
• The Act defines child sexual abuse broadly and includes various forms of abuse such as penetrative ....