CHENNAI: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 specifically mandates that the media must not disclose – as in the case of Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 – the identity of a child including his or her name, address, photograph, family details, school, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may lead to disclosure of identity of the child. Going a step ahead, the law says that any person who contravenes the provisions shall be liable for a jail term of not less than six months which may also extend to one year or with fine or both. However, the Special Court may permit such disclosure if in its opinion such disclosure is in the interest of the child. The PCSOA also casts a special duty on a category of professionals, including mediapersons, and those working in hotels and hospitals. Such persons – if they happen to come across any sexually exploitative material of a child, including pornographic representations – must report the instance to the police. Any person who fails to report the offence is liable to be punished with imprisonment up to six months.
Comments
0 comment