The Government of India is concerned about crime against children and, therefore, advise the State Governments and UT Administrations to take steps for effective prevention, detection, registration, investigation and prosecution of all crimes against children within their jurisdiction.
Hon’ble Supreme Court while hearing a Writ Petition (Civil) no. 75 of 2012, on 10.05.2013, Bachpan Bachao Andolan vs Union of India has directed issue of advisory on missing children. Accordingly, a number of Advisories have been issued to the State Government regarding steps to be taken in case “Missing Children” is reported.
Further, the POCSO Act, administered by M/o Women & Child Development was amended to make it more effective in dealing with cases of child sexual abuse in the country and aims at arresting the rising trend of gruesome and heart wrenching offences being committed against children. The Amendment Act also provides for more stringent punishments such as increase in the imprisonment period and depending on the gravity of the offence, the Courts may impose penalties on the perpetrator which includes death penalty in extreme cases of aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The Act has also made adequate provisions for timely disposal of cases pertaining to POCSO.
Detailed advisories are attached below:
