Existing Age of Consent Under POCSO Act Shouldn’t Be Tinkered: Law Commission to Govt

New Delhi: The Law Commission is of the opinion that the government should not tinker with the existing age of consent under the POCSO Act.

The Law Commission suggested introducing guided judicial discretion in the matter of sentencing in cases involving tacit approval of children in the 16-18 age bracket.

According to the Commission, reducing the age of consent will have a direct and negative bearing on the fight against child marriage and child trafficking.

The Law Commission has submitted its report on the age of consent under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to the Law Ministry. It has suggested that amendments are needed in the legislation to remedy the situation in cases involving tacit approval, though not consent in law, on the part of children aged between 16 and 18.

The current age of consent in India is 18.