Web Desk
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that the storing and viewing of child pornography is a punishable offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The judgment came after a Madras High Court ruling that had controversially opined otherwise, leading to public outcry.
The Supreme Court bench emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s rights in an increasingly digital world where child sexual abuse material (CSAM) can proliferate easily. The ruling reinforces the government’s commitment to addressing child exploitation through stringent laws, especially as incidents of online child pornography have surged in recent years.
Legal experts hailed the decision as a critical step in clarifying the legal framework around child abuse material, closing potential loopholes that could have allowed offenders to evade punishment. The court has also urged authorities to adopt more robust measures to track and prosecute individuals involved in producing, sharing, or consuming CSAM.
The SC’s judgment is expected to impact several ongoing cases and set a precedent for future rulings on child protection.
