Thu Apr 24 13:34:18 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court to Hear Concerns Over POCSO’s Mandatory Reporting Clause
**New Delhi, April 24, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India will hear arguments on May 8th concerning the mandatory reporting clause under Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Senior advocate Indira Jaising, amicus curiae in the case, argued that the clause, requiring reporting of even consensual sexual activity among minors, is leading to the criminalization of young people and undermining adolescent girls’ right to health.
Jaising highlighted the conflict arising from the 2012 amendment raising the age of consent to 18. This amendment, she argued, forces mandatory reporting of even voluntary sexual activity between juveniles, potentially penalizing parents, guardians, and even doctors who fail to report such knowledge to the police. She emphasized that this discourages minors from seeking medical help, potentially driving them towards unqualified practitioners and endangering their health. She advocated for counselling instead of criminalization in such cases.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the seriousness of the issue raised by Jaising and scheduled a detailed hearing. The court will seek input from Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and, if necessary, the Attorney General of India. While the Legislature intended Section 19 to prioritize child protection through timely intervention, the Court’s review suggests a potential conflict between this aim and the unintended consequences on the well-being and rights of adolescents.
First Piper 