The Madras High Court has emphasized that courts cannot dilute the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act, which protects children from sexual offences.

[18/02, 11:27] sekarreporter1: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2026/Feb/18/pocso-provisions-cannot-be-diluted-courts-bound-by-statute-madras-hc
[18/02, 11:28] sekarreporter1: 9 accused adv pugalenthy jail
[18/02, 11:39] sekarreporter1: The Madras High Court has emphasized that courts cannot dilute the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act, which protects children from sexual offences. This ruling came in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by an Electricity Board official seeking to locate his 17-year-old daughter, who was allegedly abducted by a man.

The court questioned whether the police could drop a complaint simply because the minor girl had gone with a man willingly. It highlighted that the POCSO Act clearly defines a minor and mandates stringent action for offences against children.

*Key Points:*

– _POCSO Act’s Provisions_: Stringent and cannot be ignored.
– _Court’s Role_: Bound by the statute, cannot run a parallel Parliament.
– _Police Action_: Must take appropriate action when a minor is involved.

This ruling underscores the importance of upholding the POCSO Act’s provisions to protect children from sexual offences.

Would you like to know more about the POCSO Act or its implications?