Published on 13 Oct 2025
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine concerns over mandatory reporting under Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
The Act is a gender neutral law and raised the age of consent from 16 years to 18.
The Section 19 of the Act requires that “any person”, who “has apprehension that an offence under this Act is likely to be committed or has knowledge that such an offence has been committed, shall provide such information” to the police.
A report made in good faith confers immunity on the reporter from any civil or criminal liability
But the failure to report an offence is punishable.
This includes doctors, who must report even consensual acts, deterring minors from seeking safe medical help and pushing them towards unsafe options.
Section 19 of POCSO Act
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act
POCSO Act
Children
Protection
Social group
gender
Gender equality
crime against children
Violence against children