Bill to check child sexual abuse gets nod
The government on Thursday cleared a path-breaking draft legislation dealing with sexual offences against children. The bill envisages a jail term up to seven years and a fine of `50,000 for such crimes.
Informing about the decision, sources said, the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Bill, 2011, however, also has provisions to legalise consensual sex with a person aged between 16-18 years. But it still proposes to cover all new aspects of sexual offences against children, which are not dealt by any other existing law.
The bill, once becomes a law, will shield children from offences like sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. It also has provision for establishment of special courts for trial in such cases.
Terming the sexual assault, committed by persons in position of trust or authority, as “aggravated offence”, the bill proposes a punishment for such an offence to the tune of imprisonment up to seven years with fine. According to the proposed bill, the person in position of trust and authority include a member of the security forces, police officer, public servant, management or staff of a children’s home, hospital or educational institution.
The punishment for penetrative sexual assault has been proposed to be at least five years in jail and a minimum fine of `50,000.
Section seven of the bill provides for “no punishment” if the consent for sexual act has been obtained with a person aged between 16 to 18 years.
There is a special provision in the bill preventing abuse of children for pornographic purpose or possessing pornographic material involving children.
The bill also envisages guidelines for media on reporting that would bar giving details of the victim and accused children’s family or personal details or any form of reporting that can lead to their identification. Besides, it proposes special courts and more sensitive ways in dealing with crimes against children.
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