NTCC REPORT

POCSO ( Protection of children from sexual offences Act )

Submitted to
Amity University,Noida, Uttar pradesh
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of
B.Sc Forensic Science ( Honors)

By
Muskan
Enrollment no – A5905924020
AMITY INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
 ABSTRACT

This report reviews the POCSO Act, a legislation aimed at protecting Indian children from sexual
abuse.. It looks at how the Act works, the help it offers to child victims, and the issues faced in its
execution. Through real-life examples and current data, the report points out the value of creating
a secure, more supportive system where children feel safe to speak up and equity is served
sensitively. The POCSO Act talks clearly about the different forms of harm children can face. It
makes it a commitment to file such cases and also sets up special courts so that children don’t
have to wait too long for justice. What really makes a difference is how aware people are, how
sincerely the system takes each case, and how encouraging society is when a child comes forward
to speak about their trauma.
 TABLE OF CONTENT

TITLE PAGE

ABSTRACT 1

INTRODUCTION 2

LITERATURE REVIEW 3

METHODOLOGY 4

WORK LOG 5-7

RESULTS 8

CONCLUSION 9

REFERENCES 10
 INTRODUCTION
Indian government introduced the POCSO act in 2012 to protect children from sexual abuse and
ensure their safety.this law has played a very important role in protecting children from sexual
abuse and it is very important for the safety of children. Under the POCSO act ,children should
receive justice as quickly as possible,the justice should be impartial,and the offenders should be
punished without delay . people always hope that this law will change the way children are treated
by the legal system.it has transformed how the legal system deals with children.
This research paper discusses how the POCSO Act has been implemented over the past ten years.
It highlights the strengths of the law as well as the difficulties faced during its application. It also
explores how the law can be improved further. Moreover, it explains the roles of forensic experts,
doctors, and police officers in such cases, particularly how they work together to assemble
evidence, support the victims, and assist the courts in the process of decision-making."
This paper uses records from official crime documents and reports, particularly those from the
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), along with other research studies. The data highlights the
number of reported child sexual abuse cases, which increased significantly from 2010 to 2019.
However, in 2020, there was a sharp decline in the number of reported cases across India. Among
all the states, Uttar Pradesh consistently recorded the highest number of reported cases in most
years, indicating that the state had the highest incidence of child rape cases.
This paper explains that even though laws exist, it's still hard to make sure the guilty person is held
responsible and punished. The legal system faces many problems when it comes to giving
justice.Another major issue is that many child sexual abuse cases are reported, but only a small
number of them actually lead to punishment. Many cases are registered under the POCSO Act, but
very few get justice in the end.
The paper also talks about the reasons behind this. Some of them include: lack of proper
knowledge, poor police investigations, weak forensic support, slow court processes, and not
enough training for police officers and doctors. Many people also still don’t understand how
serious child sexual abuse is especially when boys are the victims.
The POCSO Act is a strong and important law, but even after more than 10 years, it has not fully
succeeded in doing what it was meant to do. There is still a lot to do like spreading awareness,
improving investigation methods, giving better training to professionals, and most importantly,
supporting the children who are victims whether they are boys or girls.
Child sexual abuse means when a child is sexually harmed by an adult or even an older child. It can
happen in any culture, religion, or family rich or poor. There is no single clear definition, but it
includes things like inappropriate touching, showing sexual content, or doing anything else that
harms a child sexually.
Because this issue is so serious, India created a special law called the POCSO Act. It came into
major effect on 14th November, and was later amended on 6th August 2019. The changes made
were implemented from 16th August 2019. The main aim of this law was to protect children from
sexual abuse and to punish those who have committed such crimes to punish the offenders who
deserve to be held accountable.
 LITERATURE REVIEW
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which was passed in 2012, is a very
important step in India’s legal system to protect children. Its main aim is to give a strong and
caring response to sexual crimes against children.The studies and writings about the POCSO Act
talk about both its good points and its weaknesses.This means that while many people praise the
Act for being clear, open, and focused on children’s needs, there are also some areas where it can
be improved. On one hand, scholars have praised the Act for its transparency, openness, and child
focused approach. It is one of the few laws that identify various forms of sexual abuse and is
gender-neutral in its protection, applying equally to all children under the age of 18.
On the other hand, a substantial body of educational studies and reports from the ground reveal
ongoing implementation issues. These include insufficient training for law enforcement and
judicial staff and court officials, delays in the justice process, inadequate facilities, and lack of
awareness among children and families about the law itself. Furthermore, a frequent issue in the
literature is the penalization of consensual relationships between adolescents, which, while legally
included the law’s purview, often results in unfair prosecutions and distress for both parties
involved. The introduction of stricter penalties, including the death sentence in 2019, has triggered
discussion among legal experts and child rights activists, with many claim that such measures
could have adverse effects by discouraging the reporting of crimes, especially in cases where the
offender is a family member or someone known to the child.

Additionally, cultural bias , male dominated views, and ingrained beliefs around sexuality contribute
to repeated non disclosure , especially among male victims who face unique barriers to disclosure
and support. The literature strongly advocates that legislative change, while essential, is not
enough on its own. True protection of children requires a wider societal change, encompassing
comprehensive sex education, community engagement, victim supportive rehabilitation, and a
justice system that preserves legal firmness with compassion. Thus, while POCSO is undeniably a
landmark law, its promise can only be completely achieved through systemic reform, universal
sensitization , and a society that prioritizes the voices and rights of its children.
 METHODOLOGY
This report is based on research papers. all the information I have used is based on legal records
and I have not used any false information in this research paper.
As I read and discovered more, I realized how such Acts are created to protect children from
sexual offences. This Act guarantees protection for children and provides them with a child-
friendly legal process.
I also learned how the law is implemented. I explored real-life cases, which gave me a clear
understanding of how the Act is enforced. Through the case studies I read, I understood well how
victims get justice.
During my research, I ensured that I used only verified and accurate information. I deliberately
avoided anything that involved sensitive topics related to children and victims, as I approached my
work with great respect and followed ethical standards throughout.
 WORK LOG
I undertook an internship from June 2 to July 4 under the guidance of Mr. Gaurav Kant Sharma at
the Saket District court during my internship. he helped me a lot . I learned many useful things
about how the court and legal system work. This experience helped me understand legal steps,
how to study cases, and what happens in court. I’m very thankful for his guidance and support,
which helped me learn a lot and grow in my legal studies. in the first week of my internship I
understood the basic nature of the POCSO Act and what it is about .I also learned how forensic
reports play a vital role in supporting investigations and evidence in POCSO cases.I was also
guided by Sir on how to understand and prepare case briefings.

Nature of POCSO :-
The POCSO Act is a law made to protect children under 18 years old from sexual abuse,
harassment, and exploitation like pornography. It is designed to protect both boys and girls equally.
The law clearly explains different types of sexual offences, such as serious assault, less serious
assault, and harassment, and gives specific punishments for each. The process under this law is
made to be child-friendly, so things like police investigations, collecting evidence, and court trials
are done in a way that makes the child feel safe and comfortable. One important rule is that if any
adult knows about such a crime, they must report it, or they can be punished too. Special courts
are set up to handle these cases quickly. The law also makes sure that the identity of the child
victim is kept secret, and the media is not allowed to reveal any information that can identify the
child.

Role of Forensic Reports in POCSO Case Investigations :-

Forensic reports are very important in cases where children face sexual abuse or harassment.
These reports use science to find the truth in such difficult situations.
When a child is hurt or scared, it can be hard for them to explain what happened. Forensic experts
look at physical evidence like DNA, fingerprints, or signs of injury. This evidence helps the police
and courts understand what really happened, not just what people say.
Because the child might be too scared to talk, the scientific proof is very helpful. It protects the
child’s rights and makes sure the right person is punished. It also stops innocent people from
being blamed.
Since these cases involve children, everything must be done carefully and quickly. Forensic reports
help by giving clear and strong evidence that makes the process faster .

how to understand and prepare case briefings :-

Case briefing means understanding the most important parts of a legal case and writing them
down in a simple way. First, you need to read the case carefully to find the facts, issue, decision,
reasoning, and laws. Facts tell you what actually happened in the case., reasoning means why the
court made that decision and the logic behind it. When you understand all these, write them in your
own words. Start with the case name, then briefly explain the facts, state the issue as a question,
tell the court’s decision clearly, explain the reasoning, and mention any important laws. This way,
you make a simple summary that helps anyone quickly understand the case without reading the
whole thing. It’s a useful skill for students and lawyers.
I also observed how lawyers interact with their clients, how legal proceedings are conducted in
court, and how court hearings take place. I closely witnessed courtroom sessions and gained an
understanding of how the judicial process works.

I also observed how Special Courts function and how child-friendly procedures are implemented in
court. I understood how the hearing process in cases involving children is made more sensitive
and comfortable in their best interest.

Role of special courts ;-

Special Courts are special types of courts made to deal with certain important cases faster and
more carefully than regular courts. These courts handle cases that need special attention. For
example, when children are involved in cases like being hurt or treated badly, these cases go to
Special Courts. These courts make sure children feel safe and not scared when they talk about
what happened. Sometimes, children can speak through a video or in a separate quiet room so
they don’t get scared by the accused person. Besides cases with children, there are also Special
Courts for serious problems like drug crimes, corruption, or big crimes. The judges in these courts
know a lot about these kinds of cases and handle them in a fair and fast way. The main aim of
Special Courts is to give justice quickly and to treat everyone with kindness and respect. These
courts help people get their problems solved faster and make sure the process is fair and gentle,
especially for those who need extra care.

Child friendly procedures ;-

In POCSO cases, which protect children from sexual abuse and serious crimes, special rules are
used to keep the child safe and comfortable. These rules are important because children can feel
scared or worried when they have to talk about such things. To help, the court does not make the
child sit near the accused person. Instead, the child can speak by video or from a quiet room, so
they don’t have to see the accused. This makes the child feel less scared. The police and court
people who talk to the child are trained to be kind and patient, so the child feels safe and not upset.
The court also tries to finish the case quickly so the child doesn’t have to stay worried for a long
time. These special steps protect the child’s feelings and rights, while making sure justice is done
fairly. The goal is to help the child talk honestly without fear and make the legal process easier for
them.
I understood how POCSO Act deals with diff types of cases related to children sexual harm.
Some common types are ;- sexual assault, sexual harassment, child pornography, child
exploitation etc.
In the second week I learned about how POCSO case moves step by step from complaint to court
and the legal rules and processes followed in POCSO cases.
. When something bad happens to a child, anyone – the child, parents, teacher, or even a neighbour
– can go to the police and report it. As soon as the police get the complaint, they must write it
down in an FIR (First Information Report) without any delay.
A special police officer, trained to talk to children, is given the case. This officer usually wears
normal clothes (not a uniform) so the child doesn’t feel scared. The child’s statement (what
happened) is taken in a safe and friendly place, like the child’s home or somewhere peaceful – not
in a scary police station
Then, the child goes for a medical check-up within 24 hours, with a parent or trusted adult with
them. After that, the child tells everything again to a judge, and it can be recorded on video or audio
to keep it safe.
While this is happening, the police collect evidence – like medical reports, videos, witnesses, etc.
They must finish the investigation within 2 months. After that, the police give all the information to
a special POCSO court.In this court, the trial happens in a private room (not in front of everyone),
so the child feels safe.. During this whole time, the child can get free legal help, counseling, and
support from the Child Welfare Committee .

The goal of this process is to make sure the child gets justice quickly and stays safe and
emotionally strong.I understood the entire process of a POCSO trial, from the filing of charges to
the final judgement.
I Examined the role of forensic reports in courtroom trials.
In legal trials, forensic reports serve as vital tools that provide scientific insight into the evidence
involved in a case. These documents are typically prepared by specialists who analyze materials
such as biological samples, digital data, or chemical substances. Once presented in court, their
purpose is to break down technical findings into understandable terms for judges and jurors. This
helps the court make informed decisions by supporting or questioning the claims made by either
side. Because of their factual and unbiased nature, forensic reports often carry significant weight
in shaping the final verdict, making their accuracy and clarity essential in ensuring justice is
properly served.
I studied about rehabilitation schemes for children.
The POCSO Act helps protect children who have gone through sexual abuse. After something bad
happens, it is important to help the child feel safe again. For this, there are special support
programs. These include giving the child a safe place to stay, medical care if needed, and
someone to talk to, like a counselor. The child may also get some money as help, and a support
person can guide them through the court process. All these steps are taken to help the child heal
and feel strong again. The goal is not just to punish the person who hurt them, but also to make
sure the child gets better and can live a happy life.
LIMITATIONS
The POCSO Act is made to keep children safe from sexual abuse. It is a good law, but there are
still some problems. One big problem is that court cases take a lot of time. Sometimes, it takes
years before the case is finished. This makes the child feel tired, scared, or sad. Another issue is
that police and doctors do not always know how to talk to children or help them in the right way.
They may not be trained well, so the child may feel worse. Also, if two teenagers like each other
and agree to be in a relationship, the law may still call it a crime. This can be unfair.
In many cases, children do not tell anyone about the abuse because they are afraid, feel ashamed,
or someone tells them to stay quiet. Even though the law says the child should get help like
counseling and support, many children do not get these services. Because of these reasons, the
POCSO Act needs more work. The system should be faster, kinder, and easier for children so they
feel safe and get justice.
 RESULTS
During my court internship, I got a chance to learn a lot about how the POCSO Act (Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences) works in real life. Before this, I only read about it in books, but
seeing real cases in court helped me understand it better. I observed that the court hides the
child’s name and does the case in a quiet and private way. There are special courts for POCSO
cases, but sometimes they don’t have enough proper facilities. Some courts are not child-friendly,
which can make the child more scared or uncomfortable.
I also saw that many people are involved in one case like judges, lawyers, police, and child welfare
workers. They all have different roles, and they must work together carefully and kindly. In some
cases, support persons or NGOs helped the child and family by giving emotional support and
guiding them. But in some other cases, this support was missing, and the families didn’t know
their rights or what help they could get.
I learned that only having a good law is not enough. It is also very important to use the law properly
and carefully. This internship helped me understand the difference between what we study and
what really happens. I also learned that dealing with child abuse cases needs not just legal
knowledge, but also care, patience, and sensitivity. This experience made me more confident and
aware, and now I want to work more to help children get justice in a better way.
 CONCLUSION
My court internship, especially about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,
was very important for my learning. It gave me a chance to see how the law works in real life, not
just in books. Before this, I only read about legal terms and rules, but during the internship, I saw
how these laws are used in real courts.
I learned how the court tries to keep the child's identity secret, how some trials happen in private
rooms (in-camera trials), and how cases are handled with care and privacy. I also found out that
even though the POCSO Act is a strong law to protect children, there are many problems in using it
well. Sometimes cases take a long time, and courts don’t have good spaces for children. I saw that
victims and their families don’t always get the help they need. Many don’t know their rights or the
support available, which makes things harder for them.
During this internship, I understood how important it is to have trained and caring people at every
step police, lawyers, judges. Each person’s role is very important to make the child feel safe and
get justice. Handling these cases is not only about knowing the law but also about being kind,
patient, and understanding. I saw how NGOs and support people help the child and family during
the process, and that we need more of these support systems.
This experience taught me that justice for a child is not just punishing the offender but also
protecting and helping the child heal. It made me realize there is still a lot to do in our legal system
to make it really child-friendly. Overall, this internship helped me grow not just as a law student but
also as a more aware and responsible person. It inspired me to keep learning, be sensitive to such
issues, and work to make the system better in the future so every child feels safe, heard, and
supported while seeking justice.
 REFERENCES
1. Muruganandhan, S., et al. "An Analytical Review on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act
(POCSO), 2012 in India." Sustainable Digital Technology and Ethics in an Ever-Changing Environment (2025):
265-269.
2. Kumar, Shailesh. Access to justice and sexual violence against children in India: an empirical study of the
reforms under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act 2012. Diss. Birkbeck, University
of London, 2023.

3. Kumar, Shailesh. Access to justice and sexual violence against children in India: an empirical study of the
reforms under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act 2012. Diss. Birkbeck, University
of London, 2023.

4. Jakhmola, Ankita. The (POCSO) Act, 2012: A Legal Research Analyzing the Gaps and Challenges in the
Legislation. Diss. Institute of Law, NU, 2021.
5. Raj, Rakshita. "An Analysis on the Child Sexual Abuse under the POCSO Act." Issue 1 Indian JL & Legal Rsch. 4
(2022): 1.