Protecting the innocent, prosecuting the innocent: Loopholes in the POCSO framework

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was enacted to safeguard children from sexual offences through stringent legal provisions. However, the law's implementation has revealed several challenges and ambiguities. This empirical research critically examines grey areas within the POCSO Act, such as the rigid age criteria, criminalization of consensual adolescent relationships, lack of medical evidence, procedural deficiencies, and presumption of guilt. Through surveys, interviews, and case analyses, the study evaluates public perception, stakeholder insights, and real-world implications. Findings suggest a growing consensus on revisiting the age of consent, the need for impartial investigations, and ensuring procedural fairness for both victims and accused. The research advocates for balanced reforms that uphold child protection without undermining adolescent autonomy or due process, ensuring the Act remains just, relevant, and effective in modern Indian society.