Loksabha has passed The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, yesterday, 22nd May, 2012. Rajya Sabha has already passed it before 2 days, on 10th May, 2012.
Now, IPC sections will have sexual offences. These offences have been clearly defined for the first time in law.
Punishments for Offences covered in the Act are:
· Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3) – Not less than seven years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 4)
· Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 5) – Not less than ten years which may extend to imprisonment for life, and fine (Section 6)
· Sexual Assault (Section 7) – Not less than three years which may extend to five years, and fine (Section 8)
· Aggravated Sexual Assault (Section 9) – Not less than five years which may extend to seven years, and fine (Section 10)
· Sexual Harassment of the Child (Section 11) – Three years and fine (Section 12)
· Use of Child for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13) – Five years and fine and in the event of subsequent conviction, seven years and fine (Section 14 (1))