With Puducherry recording its first three convictions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in as many months, those working in the area of children’s safety have welcomed the judgement, though they say more needs to be done to increase awareness about the Act among the public.
On April 21, Paramasivam, 51, was sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and directed to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation to the victim, under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, apart from another 10 years rigorous imprisonment and Rs1000 fine under Section 376 of IPC. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Paramasivam, a grocer and staff member at Jipmer, had raped the 14-year-old victim several times, and details of the case emerged only in June 2014, when the victim was found to be pregnant in hospital. The pregnancy was later aborted. The case was registered at the Mettupalayam Police Station after an enquiry by the Child Welfare Committee.
The accused in the other two cases, for which judgement was pronounced in March and February, have been awarded rigorous imprisonment of 10 years and three years respectively.
There are around 20 cases under POCSO Act pending with the Principal Sessions Court here, said N. Vinayagam, Special Public Prosecutor. In Yanam, there are three pending cases, while Mahe has two, he added.
Crucial role
“We have won convictions in all three cases. The CWC has played a crucial role by giving evidence. There is an increased awareness about the Act among police and the medical fraternity.
Many of these cases have emerged after the victim reached hospitals for treatment. Under the Act, it is the duty of the medical officer to report the cases to the police.
For the police, not registering a case amounts to offence,” said Mr. Vinayagam.
Vidyaa Ramkumar, chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, said, “The Chief Magistrate has been proactive with regard to these cases. Cases referred by CWC are taken up on immediate basis by the police, and everyone is aware of the severity of its provisions,” she said.
The public, though, needs to be made more aware about the Act, felt Mr. Vinayagam.
“There is a tendency among parents and relatives to not report such cases. In some cases involving young men in their early 20s, they are not aware that sexual intercourse with a minor can be considered an offence. Those around them suggest marriage as an option. Again, they are not aware about child marriage being an offence,” he said. Ms. Ramkumar said the CWC was now also looking at getting the victim compensation fund as outlined in the Act.
