Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RJP)

Mangalore, Oct 22: “Proper awareness on Posco act is required. Whenever any atrocity against a child takes place, a complaint can be lodged under the Protection of children from sexual offences act (Posco) 2012. The sex of the child is not important here.” said C M Joshi Dakshina Kannada second additional and Sessions judge.

Justice Joshi was delivering his inaugural address during the legal awareness s programme on Posco act jointly organised by the District Legal Awareness Services Authority (DLASA), Mangalore Bar Association and PADI, Mangalore an NGO.

“Every citizen should know about the Posco act. Support system should be strengthened to deal with cases of child sexual abuses (CSA). More trained personnel to counsel the victims are also needed. The State government, civic society representatives and judicial officers should come together to develop the system to deal with the sexual offences. The police make the victims to come to the police station to record statements without realising the impact it will have on a child.” he added.

“The act prescribes that whenever the victim is questioned, perpetrator should not be present there. Every person in the society should become a crusader to propagate the intent of act which says every child has to be protected. As per false complaints are concerned, there are provisions in the act to deal with it except the fact that children are exempted. Every person under the age of 18 is considered a child for the purpose of this act.” Justice Joshi opined.

Renni D’Souza, Executive Director from PADI, P Ashok Aariga from Mangalore Bar Association, Gertrude Vegas Deputy Director of Women and Child Welfare and B. Ganesha from District Legal Services Authority also participated in the awareness programme.