India

Delhi High Court Rules POCSO Act Applies To All Genders

New Delhi, August 9: The Delhi High Court has ruled that sexual harassment under the POCSO Act is not restricted by gender. The court clarified that the law can apply to both men and women.

Court Upholds Charges Against Woman

Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani stated that the term “he” in Section 3 of the POCSO Act is not gender-specific. He emphasized that the Act applies to any offender, regardless of gender, as long as the offense involves a child. Justice Bhambhani upheld the lower court’s decision to frame charges against a woman under Section 6 (aggravated sexual assault) of the POCSO Act and dismissed her appeal.

Delay in FIR Filing Not Grounds for Dismissal

Despite the delay in filing the FIR, Justice Bhambhani rejected the woman’s argument for dismissal. He noted that while the doctor’s opinion and the child’s statement suggested no intent of sexual assault, these matters would be resolved during the trial. The judge found that prima facie, the charge of ‘aggravated sexual assault’ was valid and required prosecution.

Scope of POCSO Provisions

The court highlighted that the POCSO provisions cover various forms of penetrative sexual assault, not limited to penile penetration. The judge asserted that the scope of the Act includes actions such as inserting objects or body parts into a child’s body, making it illogical to limit the crime to only certain types of penetration.

Also Read: Ayodhya’s Muslim Community & Saints Back Waqf Board Amendment Bill

Gopal Krishna

Recent Posts

Cold Showers Vs Warm Showers: What’s Best To Start Your Day?

Choosing between cold and warm showers can impact your energy, health, and mood. Here’s how…

5 mins ago

Manoj Tiwari Joins Jagannath Rath Yatra In Puri; Celebrates With Devotees

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari participated in the first day of the Jagannath Rath Yatra in…

52 mins ago

HM Amit Shah To Launch Development & Education Projects Across Gujarat

Amit Shah is visiting Gujarat to inaugurate key education, cooperative, and rural development projects across…

1 hour ago

Parliamentary Committee To Visit Pahalgam Terror Site; Hold Key Meetings In Jammu & Srinagar

Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, a Parliamentary Committee is set to…

1 hour ago

PM Modi To Inaugurate Centenary Celebrations Of Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Maharaj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 100th birth anniversary commemoration of Acharya Shri Vidyanand…

3 hours ago

No Central Water Tax On Farmers; PIB Debunks Fake Social Media Claims

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has refuted viral social media claims suggesting that the Centre…

3 hours ago