Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 As amended by The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amdt.) Act, 2019

This edition of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (Act 32 of 2012, dated 19-6-2012), as amended by The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 25 of 2019, dated 5-8-2019, enforced from 16-8-2019 vide S.O. 2759(E), dated 16-8-2019), The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (Act 34 of 2019, dated 9-8-2019, enforced from 31-10-2019 vide S.O. 2889(E), dated 9-8-2019), and The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 (Act 22 of 2018, dated 11-8-2018, enforced from 21-4-2018), is presented along with The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Rules, 2020 (enforced from 9-3-2020 vide G.S.R. 165(E), dated 9-3-2020). This Act provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of children from sexual offences, safeguarding their rights through child-friendly procedures at every stage of the judicial process.

The book presents the bare text of the law—precisely as enacted—without commentary or interpretation, making it ideal for statutory referencing, judicial application, academic study, and rights-based advocacy. It ensures direct access to the statutory provisions and rules for effective prevention, reporting, investigation, and prosecution of sexual offences against children.

The content spans the full scope of the Act and Rules, including:

• Definitions of sexual assault, penetrative sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and sexual harassment of children

• Special provisions for the protection of children in vulnerable situations

• Mandatory reporting obligations and procedures for recording complaints

• Guidelines for child-friendly investigation and trial processes

• Establishment and functioning of Special Courts for speedy trial

• Provisions for safeguarding the identity and privacy of child victims

• Enhanced punishments for aggravated offences, including life imprisonment and death penalty in specific cases

• Duties of police, Special Juvenile Police Units, and Child Welfare Committees

• Provisions under the 2020 Rules for victim support services, compensation, and rehabilitation

• Safeguards against misuse while ensuring child protection objectives are met

This edition is particularly suitable for:

• Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers handling POCSO cases

• Child rights organisations, NGOs, and social workers involved in victim support and rehabilitation

• Legal practitioners specialising in criminal law and child protection

• Academicians, researchers, and students of law and social work

• Policymakers working on strengthening child protection mechanisms

Whether used in courts, law enforcement agencies, child welfare organisations, or academic institutions, this edition delivers the full legislative authority of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and its allied Rules, as applicable in 2025