Sun Feb 23 20:35:00 UTC 2025: ## Mother’s Plea for Justice Highlights Systemic Failure in Addressing Bullying and POCSO Act Implementation

**New Delhi, February 24, 2025** – Three years after her 16-year-old son Arvey Malhotra died by suicide following alleged bullying at his Faridabad school, his mother, Arty Malhotra, staged a protest at Jantar Mantar on Sunday. She demanded stricter implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and stronger anti-bullying laws.

Ms. Malhotra’s protest, joined by other parents who have lost children to alleged bullying, highlighted a critical lack of justice and awareness surrounding these issues. The FIR filed in Arvey’s case named the school principal, academic coordinator, and three students, all of whom were granted bail within a day. No substantial progress has been made in the case since.

Ms. Malhotra emphasized that her fight transcends her son’s case, representing all children facing harassment for not conforming to societal norms. She cited numerous social media messages from children who have experienced bullying due to their sexuality, weight, or appearance. She also expressed concern over the lack of awareness regarding the POCSO Act, stating that perpetrators often lack understanding of the illegality of their actions, while victims are equally unaware of their rights.

Ms. Malhotra’s demands include mandatory sensitization programs in all schools to effectively address bullying and ensure swift justice for victims. She urged for a systemic overhaul to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. The protest serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter laws and increased awareness to protect children from bullying and sexual offenses.

**(Note: The provided text also included listings for various sections of The Hindu newspaper, but these were not incorporated into the news article as they are not directly relevant to the core news event.)**

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