Comprehension
An unintended and unjust consequence of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 is its widespread persecution of teenage lovers. This law raised the age of consent from 16 to 18 years, while defining persons below 18 years as children. Consequently, when two 16-year-olds are romantically and sexually involved, but the girl's family doesn't approve the affair and files a police complaint, her consent has zero legal validity. And the consensual relationship morphs into a case of statutory rape. The Allahabad High Court has indicated how its "conscience" is concerned by such severe POCSO provisions being drawn by teenage lovers simply on the basis of family disapproval. The High Courts of Delhi, Madras and others have made similar observations in recent years and also pointed to amendments to the law that can help reduce its injustices. One suggestion that has gathered broad support is to push back both the cut-off for childhood and the age of consent to 16 years. Given that the NCRB data shows around half of POCSO cases falling in the 16-18 years age group, such an amendment is overdue. Minimizing the prosecution of consensual romances would also leave a logjammed system with more space to pursue actual sexual assault cases. The broader goal here is respecting the rights of adolescents and young adults. Their romantic and sexual autonomy needs greatly increased recognition in India.
Question: 1
"Minimising the prosecution of consensual romances would also leave a logjammed system with more space to pursue actual sexual assault cases."
In the context of the statement, which of the following strengthens the author's opinion?
"Minimising the prosecution of consensual romances would also leave a logjammed system with more space to pursue actual sexual assault cases."
In the context of the statement, which of the following strengthens the author's opinion?
In the context of the statement, which of the following strengthens the author's opinion?
Updated On: Aug 21, 2024
- There are many unreported sexual assault cases.
- Speedy prosecution of sexual assault cases is desirable.
- Consensual romance, in some cases, can amount to sexual assault.
- Sexual assault and rape are different.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (B): Speedy prosecution of sexual assault cases is desirable.
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Question: 2
What has the author conveyed regarding the prosecution of statutory rape in India?
What has the author conveyed regarding the prosecution of statutory rape in India?
Updated On: Jul 18, 2024
- Statutory rape does not violate the romantic and sexual autonomy of young adults.
- Statutory rape must be met with stricter punishment.
- Statutory rape must be abolished.
- Statutory rape is a relic of Victorian morality.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (A): Statutory rape does not violate the romantic and sexual autonomy of young adults.
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Question: 3
As per the above passage, which of the following does not correctly represent the author's view regarding the widespread persecution of teenage lovers under the POCSO Act?
As per the above passage, which of the following does not correctly represent the author's view regarding the widespread persecution of teenage lovers under the POCSO Act?
Updated On: Aug 21, 2024
- Teenagers have the right to love as much as adults.
- Police complaints of teenage lovers may lead to their harassment.
- Consent of minor girls do not have legal validity.
- Consent of minor girls have legal validity.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (D): Consent of minor girls have legal validity.
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Question: 4
In the above passage, which of the following has concerned the "conscience" of the Allahabad High Court?
In the above passage, which of the following has concerned the "conscience" of the Allahabad High Court?
Updated On: Aug 21, 2024
- Carelessness of teenage lovers.
- Threat to the safety of teenage lovers.
- Impact on mental health of teenage lovers.
- Harassment of teenage lovers by their families.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (D): Harassment of teenage lovers by their families.
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Question: 5
As per the above passage, which of the following is a major challenge in implementation of the POCSO Act?
As per the above passage, which of the following is a major challenge in implementation of the POCSO Act?
Updated On: Aug 4, 2024
- Speedy prosecution of cases.
- Respecting the rights of adolescents and young adults.
- Counselling of adolescents and young adults.
- Imposition of stringent punishment.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct option is (C): Counselling of adolescents and young adults.
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