Age of Consent Discussions and POCSO Act Conflict Examined by the Law Commission
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the importance of consent in teenage interactions have lately come into conflict, prompting talks on the age of consent by the 22nd Law Commission. The Law Commission requested information on this subject at a meeting with representatives from the Women and Child Development Ministry, underlining the need for more investigation, according to PTI.
The Law Commission seeks to provide thorough insights on the age of consent while taking into account the changing dynamics of teenage relationships. Upon confirmation of the meeting, a government official said, “We are dealing with the subject…we had a meeting with them to provide some information.”
The Delhi High Court had earlier said that the POCSO Act’s goal was to protect minors from sexual exploitation, not to criminalise consensual love relationships between young people. This is a major step. This comment was made when the court decided to give bail to a lad who had married a girl who was 17 years old despite his being detained under the Act.
The Law Commission is an authoritative authority that advises the government on complex legal matters, and it is essential to the development of laws and policies. The 22nd Law Commission is now concentrating on tackling the complications surrounding the age of consent under the direction of Justice (retired) Ritu Raj Awasthi, with the goal of striking a balance between safeguarding children and preserving the autonomy of young people in romantic relationships.
