Question:medium
Under the POCSO Act 2012, which group is protected by the law?
Under the POCSO Act 2012, which group is protected by the law?
Show Hint
POCSO is gender-neutral and protects all children below 18 years.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
- All children under 16 years of age
- All children under 18 years of age
- Girls under 16 years of age
- Girls under 18 years of age
Show Solution
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the definition of the group protected under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Definition of a "Child": Section 2(d) of the POCSO Act defines a "child" as any person below the age of eighteen years. This is consistent with international standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Gender Neutrality: A defining feature of the POCSO Act is that it is gender-neutral. It protects both boys and girls from sexual exploitation and abuse. Prior to this act, many laws were focused primarily on female victims.
Scope of Protection: The Act provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of children from offences such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. It also outlines child-friendly procedures for reporting and trial.
Legal Significance: Because the law applies to everyone under 18, it creates a "statutory" protection regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or the victim.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Under the POCSO Act 2012, all individuals (regardless of gender) who are under 18 years of age are protected by the law.
The question asks for the definition of the group protected under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Definition of a "Child": Section 2(d) of the POCSO Act defines a "child" as any person below the age of eighteen years. This is consistent with international standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Gender Neutrality: A defining feature of the POCSO Act is that it is gender-neutral. It protects both boys and girls from sexual exploitation and abuse. Prior to this act, many laws were focused primarily on female victims.
Scope of Protection: The Act provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of children from offences such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. It also outlines child-friendly procedures for reporting and trial.
Legal Significance: Because the law applies to everyone under 18, it creates a "statutory" protection regardless of the gender of the perpetrator or the victim.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Under the POCSO Act 2012, all individuals (regardless of gender) who are under 18 years of age are protected by the law.
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