The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoW&CD) on February 06, 2026, issued a notification regarding the Legal Framework and Rationale behind the POCSO Act & Age of Consent
The following has been stated: -
•The POCSO Act, 2012, protects children (below 18 years) from sexual offences, with stricter punishments added through the 2019 amendment.
•Under law, consent of a minor is not recognised, and any sexual act involving persons under 18 is treated as an offence.
•Uniform age of consent at 18 across multiple laws ensures consistency and recognises minors’ limited capacity for informed decisions.
•Maintaining this age aims to prevent coercion, exploitation, and abuse while aligning with child protection principles and UNCRC obligations.
[Notification No.: 2224699]
