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A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan was hearing a PIL seeking directions to make people aware about the penal provisions of rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act to make the country a better place for girls and women.
“One thing, we would like to comment. The POCSO Act is being misused in cases of marital discord and in cases related to consensual relationships between juveniles. We should spread awareness among boys and men about the legal provisions,” the bench orally remarked.
The top court adjourned the PIL till December 2 and noted that some states and union territories have not filed replies in the case.
The apex court had earlier issued notice to the Centre, the Union Ministry of Education and Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on a plea filed by senior advocate Abad Harshad Ponda.
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Ponda said that people need to be informed about the laws related to rape and the changes in such laws after the Nirbhaya case.
The petition seeks a number of measures, including directing the Education Ministry to ask all educational institutions providing free and compulsory education to children up to 14 years of age to incorporate punitive provisions regarding crimes against women and children.
It added that the subject of ethical training should also be included to ensure awareness about sexual equality, rights of women and girls and their freedom to live with dignity.
It added, “In particular, efforts need to be made to change the mindset of boys in this country, an exercise that should start from the school level.”
Accordingly, similar instructions should be given to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CBFC and other broadcasting authorities to highlight the awareness regarding the absurdity of committing rape and its punishment and to educate the public about the POCSO Act.
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