Parliament passed The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act

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))